NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya and Ireland have agreed to negotiate a structured labour mobility framework that will allow Kenyan nurses and midwives to work in Ireland in the coming days.
Speaking in Nairobi, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya looks forward to concluding the agreement and welcomed Ireland’s commitment to advancing the process.
“Kenya regards Ireland as a valued partner and true friend. We take pride in our diverse and multifaceted partnership, which spans a wide range of priority sectors of mutual interest,” Mudavadi said.
He also noted that the two countries continue to collaborate in areas such as food security, climate resilience, governance and humanitarian assistance.
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Mudavadi made the remarks while attending the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Nairobi, marking Ireland’s national day.
The event celebrates the legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, and the enduring values of faith, unity and resilience associated with him.
Among those present at the celebrations was Christopher O’Sullivan, Ireland’s Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.
Strong People-to-People Relations
Mudavadi said Kenya and Ireland share strong people-to-people connections built over decades through missionary work, civil society engagement and diaspora communities.
He noted that Irish missionaries have played a key role in Kenya for more than a century, supporting the development of schools and hospitals while helping deliver essential services in remote and underserved communities.
“I note with satisfaction that our relationship is marked by robust and thriving people-to-people exchanges through the activities of missionaries, initiatives by Irish non-governmental organisations, and bridge-building by diaspora communities,” he said.
Collaboration in Education and Innovation
The Cabinet Secretary also praised Ireland’s support for the Young Scientists Kenya Programme, which has helped nurture innovation and creativity among Kenyan students.
According to Mudavadi, the programme has enriched the lives of thousands of learners by providing opportunities for international recognition and exposure.
Partnership in Global Diplomacy
Kenya and Ireland have also cooperated closely on the global stage, including during their joint tenure on the United Nations Security Council in 2021 and 2022.
During that period, the two countries worked together to advance peace, human dignity and the **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral institutions amid uncertainties in the current global order.
Irish NGOs Supporting Development in Kenya
The government also acknowledged the contribution of Irish non-governmental organisations, including Concern Worldwide, which support projects in health, nutrition, education and poverty eradication across Kenya.
Mudavadi also commended the Kenya Irish Society for fostering cultural and social ties between the two countries through community events and philanthropic activities.
Longstanding Bilateral Relations
Kenya and Ireland established diplomatic relations in 1979, building a partnership based on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to sustainable development.
Mudavadi said bilateral relations have grown significantly over the past decade following the opening of Kenya’s embassy in Dublin in 2007 and the reopening of the Irish embassy in Nairobi in 2014.
“As we commemorate Ireland’s National Day, Kenya reaffirms its commitment to deepening friendship and cooperation with Ireland for the benefit of our two friendly nations and the well-being of our peoples,” he said.
