Kenya’s ambassador in Berlin, Stella Mokaya Orina, has given a clarion call to German investors to explore new ventures in Kenya, which she terms a strategic and important economic environment.
Mokaya led the Kenyan embassy in Berlin in celebrating a landmark milestone of bringing together Kenyans in Germany and possible investors in a celebration for the inaugural Open Day.
During the colourful event, Kenyans showcased all aspects of business, tourism, science, sports, music, and the mouth-watering Kenyan cuisine.
International guests from diplomacy, business, politics, and civil society were also present. Many interesting conversations took place, including a panel discussion on current issues relating to Kenya.
“We believe in building a stronger relationship, not just between two governments, but between two peoples to strengthen the bonds that have connected our nations for over six decades,” Ambassador Mokaya said.
“This gathering is a celebration of that relationship; one that began in 1963 when Germany was the first country to recognise Kenya’s independence. Our partnership has grown from strength to strength and today, we stand as partners, and indeed, as friends.”
The Kenya–Germany relations have matured into a strategic and multifaceted partnership, increasingly anchored at the highest political level. Over the past decade, State and Presidential engagements, notably President Uhuru Kenyatta’s high-level visit and business forum in Berlin in 2016, helped reset the bilateral agenda around trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
The relationship was further elevated when Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier conducted an official state visit to Nairobi in February 2020, underlining Germany’s interest in closer cooperation on innovation, education, and climate issues.
The new Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership was signed last year in 2024 as a result of President William Ruto’s engagements with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other senior German officials. This has further reinforced commitments on labour mobility, skills development, trade, and investment, a concrete reflection of deepening political trust and pragmatic cooperation between Kenya and Germany.
“This is a landmark agreement, a truly modern and forward-looking framework that addresses the needs of both our nations. For Kenya, it opens up a world of opportunity, offering our talented youth the chance to gain valuable professional experience, acquire new skills, and contribute to a leading European economy. For Germany, it provides a legal and structured pathway to access the skilled, energetic, and highly adaptable young workforce that Kenya has in abundance,” Orina added.
“Beyond labour mobility, our relationship thrives in many other fields. Over 100 German companies have made Kenya their hub in East Africa, a testament to our country’s strategic importance and vibrant economic environment. We are also deeply committed partners in the global fight against climate change, working together under our Climate and Development Partnership to advance green energy and build a more sustainable future.”
Moreover, Ambassador Orina commented on Kenya’s dominance in the annual Berlin Marathon and noted that the wins promote the country as a premier sports-tourism destination.
In this year’s edition, Sabastian Sawe cruised to victory with a world-leading time of 2:02:16, while Rosemary Wanjiru reigned supreme in the women’s race as she clocked 2:21:05.
Six different Kenyan long-distance runners have been fortunate in breaking world marathon records while featuring in the Berlin Marathon. They include the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, Dennis Kimeto, Wilson Kipsang, Paul Tergat, and Tegla Loroupe.
