On 8 October 2026, H.E. Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Nairobi, held a meeting with representatives of Kenya’s government institutions, national companies and business community.
The meeting was attended by Josphat Maikara, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya; Daniel Mainda, Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi International Financial Centre; John Mwendwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Investment Authority; Martin Owuor, Director of the Legal Services at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya; Temesi Mukani, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications of Kenya; and Mustafa Ramadhan, Vice President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The parties discussed prospects for further strengthening Kazakhstan–Kenya cooperation, with particular emphasis on the practical implementation of the agreements reached during the state visit of H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, to Kazakhstan on 19–20 May 2026
The importance of fostering business ties and establishing direct contacts between representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan and Kenya was particularly emphasized, with a view to expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation.
The meeting was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere and reaffirmed the mutual interest in further developing the bilateral partnership.
Nairobi, 15 October 2026 Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), delivered remarks at the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit 2026 (ACIS 2026), held under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade.”
The summit featured remarks by Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry; William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy; Eric Ruto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI); and other participants.
In his remarks, Lee Kinyanjui underscored the important role of chambers of commerce and industry in expanding businesses’ access to markets in Africa and other regions, removing trade barriers, and unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
William Kabogo Gitau emphasized that the development of digital infrastructure and innovative technologies should create tangible business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, broaden access to finance, and help African companies enter regional markets.
Eric Ruto noted that ACIS 2026 is intended to help move from discussions to concrete commercial deals, expand intra-African trade, and attract investment.
In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted Kazakhstan’s achievements in economic development, the advancement of its transit and transport potential, and information and communication technologies. He also emphasized the significant potential for trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Africa, noting opportunities for engagement in trade, investment, transport and logistics, agriculture, mining, and digitalization.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening the Kazakhstan–Kenya partnership and implementing the agreements reached during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Kazakhstan in May 2026. The Ambassador called on African business communities to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Background: The summit was organized by KNCCI and brought together more than 5,000 participants from over 50 countries. It aims to promote intra-regional and international trade, attract investment, develop industry, and strengthen economic integration among African states.
Nairobi, 8 October 2026 – H.E. Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and concurrently to the Republic of Rwanda, and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UN Office at Nairobi, met with H.E. Dr. Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for further strengthening Kazakhstan-Rwanda relations and expanding practical cooperation in trade and investment, transport and logistics, information technology, mining, and agriculture.
The Kazakh side emphasised the importance of implementing the agreements reached following the visit of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Astana on 27-29 May 2025. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the bilateral Business Council, cooperation in the development of rare-earth mineral deposits, and the establishment of a joint working group on transport and logistics.
The parties also explored prospects for enhancing interparliamentary cooperation through the establishment of parliamentary friendship groups, holding the next round of political consultations, opening a Rwandan representation in Kazakhstan, and appointing an Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Rwanda.
Particular attention was also given to cooperation within multilateral frameworks, mutual support for candidatures to international bodies, and Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the UN.
The meeting reaffirmed the mutual interest of Kazakhstan and Rwanda in further developing their bilateral partnership and strengthening cooperation on pressing regional and international issues.
Nairobi, 6 October 2026 – Against the backdrop of ongoing armed conflicts and humanitarian crises in various regions of the world, including Africa, strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) has become particularly important.
A regional seminar entitled “National Committees on International Humanitarian Law and Beyond: Implementing the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law and its Recommendations”, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross, was held in Nairobi with the participation of representatives from East African countries.
The event discussed the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, launched in 2024 by six founding States, including Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross. In December 2026, Jordan will host the high-level “Humanity in War” Conference, which will mark an important milestone and the culmination of work under the Initiative.
Speaking at the seminar, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Barlybay Sadykov, underscored the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, the principles of the UN Charter, the peaceful settlement of disputes, preventive diplomacy, and strengthening confidence-building measures.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL and called on African States to join the Initiative and contribute to further strengthening the international humanitarian legal framework.
Background: The Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law was launched in September 2024 at the initiative of Kazakhstan, Brazil, China, France, Jordan and South Africa, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross. To date, 120 States from all regions of the world have joined the Initiative, confirming broad international interest in strengthening respect for and compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law.
Nairobi, 5 October 2026. A meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya between H.E. Mr. Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Nairobi, and Mr. Josphat Maikara, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, and Mr. Samson Koech, Deputy Chief of Protocol, of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya.
During the meeting, the sides discussed current issues of bilateral Kazakhstan–Kenya cooperation, including the practical implementation of the agreements reached following the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The sides paid particular attention to preparations for high-level visits, including organisational and protocol matters, the programmes of the visits, and the holding of the planned official events.
The sides reaffirmed their readiness to maintain close cooperation with a view to ensuring the successful preparation of the visit, implementing the agreements reached, and further strengthening friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Kenya.
Nairobi, 25 September 2026. On 25 September 2026, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya Barlybay Sadykov held a meeting with Dr. Eric K. Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Cynthia Nyawira, National Director and Chair of Economic Diplomacy, and Joel Cheruiyot Sum, Chairman of KNCCI and representative of the Asian Region.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the prospects for developing trade, economic and business ties between Kazakhstan and Kenya. Particular attention was paid to expanding direct contacts between representatives of the business communities of the two countries, organizing bilateral B2B meetings, and facilitating the development of mutually beneficial business projects.
The parties discussed mutual business interests and promising areas of cooperation, including mining, trade, investment, transport and logistics, as well as other areas of mutual interest.
Particular attention was also given to further cooperation between the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Kenya and KNCCI, including facilitating contacts between Kazakhstani and Kenyan companies, promoting specific projects, and developing the institution of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kenya.
Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in intensifying business contacts and further strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kenya.
Nairobi, 24 September 2026. On 24 September 2026, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya Barlybay Sadykov held a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya H.E. Amb. Tabu Irina MBS, Deputy Director General, Europe and Commonwealth Directorate, and Elizabeth Miguda, Deputy Director for Economic and Commercial Diplomacy.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakhstan-Kenya cooperation, as well as practical steps towards implementing the agreements reached during the State Visit of President of Kenya William Ruto to Kazakhstan on 19-20 May 2026.
Particular attention was paid to expanding trade and economic cooperation, including collaboration in the areas of tea and coffee trade, mining, transport and logistics, aviation, finance, information and communication technologies, and space. The parties also discussed ways to strengthen business contacts and advance priority joint projects.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue close engagement with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kenya.
On 17 September 2026, a meeting was held in Nairobi between Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya Barlybay Sadykov and Principal Secretary for Trade in the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry of Kenya Regina Akoth Ombam.
During the meeting, practical measures were discussed to further implement the agreements reached following the first-ever State Visit of President of the Republic of Kenya William Ruto to Kazakhstan on 19 – 20 May this year. During the visit, 10 bilateral documents were signed, covering, inter alia, trade, investment, transport and finance.
The sides noted the importance of increasing bilateral trade volumes, expanding the range of traded goods, developing transport and logistics links, and implementing specific joint projects.
Particular attention was paid to the establishment in Kazakhstan of a Central Asian distribution hub for Kenyan tea and coffee, the development of investment cooperation, including projects in the production of mineral fertilisers and sunflower oil, as well as expanding supplies of Kenyan flowers.
The meeting also addressed cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, including the utilisation of the potential of the Port of Mombasa and the Nairobi Inland Container Depot, the development of rail and air freight transportation, as well as the establishment of an efficient multimodal logistics chain between the two countries.
Following the meeting, the Kenyan side noted the significant potential for further expanding trade and economic cooperation with Kazakhstan and expressed its readiness to facilitate the practical implementation of joint initiatives and strengthen bilateral trade ties.
The sides agreed to continue engagement in the identified areas and intensify efforts to develop concrete follow-up steps.
Nairobi, 10 September 2026. A meeting was held in Nairobi between Adil Miratovich Kusmanov, Deputy Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Dr. Boniface Makokha, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Economic Planning of the Ministry of the National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya.
The meeting was also attended by Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya.
During the meeting, the parties discussed strategic planning, the implementation of socio-economic reforms and enhancing the efficiency of public administration, and exchanged experience of Kazakhstan and Kenya in these areas.
Particular attention was paid to approaches to long-term strategic planning, improving mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of government programmes, as well as enhancing the efficiency of public administration and achieving sustainable socio-economic development.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on current issues of economic development and government mechanisms for implementing structural reforms. The parties expressed their interest in further strengthening interaction and developing practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to maintain regular dialogue and contribute to further strengthening Kazakhstan–Kenya cooperation in the areas of strategic planning, economic development and public sector reforms.
Nairobi, 9 September 2026. On the sidelines of the 13th Annual Meeting of the Subcommittee of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), a side event was held in Nairobi focusing on ecosystem restoration of land and water resources.
The event was attended by H.E. Mr. Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Nairobi, as well as Vera Voronova and Marina Koshkina, representatives of the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK).
In his remarks, the Ambassador presented Kazakhstan’s experience in restoring the Northern Aral Sea, highlighting the importance of international cooperation, sound water resource management, and the application of modern technologies. It was noted that the implementation of comprehensive measures has increased the volume of the Northern Aral Sea and created conditions for the recovery of fisheries and ecosystems in the region.
Representatives of the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative shared Kazakhstan’s experience in restoring steppe ecosystems and conserving biodiversity. The initiative implements large-scale projects aimed at protecting natural areas and restoring populations of rare species, including the saiga antelope and the Przewalski’s horse.
Participants of the event underscored the importance of international partnerships, science-based solutions, and integrated ecosystem restoration in achieving global environmental goals.
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive engagement with UNEP, UN Member States and international partners in advancing practical solutions in the areas of water security, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.