Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sign'Oei on Saturday, June 1, confirmed that the Kenyan Government had signed multiple deals with Canada.
He revealed that this was after the conclusion of the Kenya-Canada Binational Commission co-chaired with Cheryl Urban, the Assistant Deputy Minister for Sub-Saharan Africa Global Affairs.
The two countries agreed on labour migration which will see workers from Kenya travel to Canada for migration and vice versa. This move is expected to lower the rate of unemployment among Kenyans and increase diaspora remittances.
According to the PS, the two countries also agreed on working towards eliminating consular and administrative barriers in the visa process. This will ease the migration of Kenyans and those already living in Canada.
"We also agreed on addressing constraints with the GOK (the Government of Kenya) service portal. I am deeply grateful for the spirit of partnership that guided our deliberation," Sing'Oei stated.
Additionally, the two countries agreed on further cooperating in trade and investment. The PS did not delve into the details of this agreement. However, it is expected to boost the country's economy and increase exports from past similar agreements,.
Another agreement signed is on peace and security, a sustainable blue economy, and a coordinated approach to multilateral challenges.
Meanwhile, Urban also emphasised that Kenya and Canada had accomplished major goals due to the strong relationship between the two countries.
"So much accomplished together. Thank you Kenya for the partnership and thank you Sing'Oei for your leadership," she added.
Notably, Sing'Oei has been in Canada with several officials from Kenya on a trip to conclude the talks. The 3rd Session of the Kenya-Canada Binational Commission was scheduled for May 30 to May 31.
During the trip, the delegation from Kenya met several officials from Canada and discussed the relationship between the two nations and ways to strengthen the ties.
"Met with Canada's Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen, today and expressed deep appreciation for Canada's support for Kenya's sustainable development including in the education, health, climate and blue economy sectors," the PS stated on May 30.
Another topic of discussion was how to enhance climate resilience, promote gender equality and expand skills and vocational training for the fast-growing Kenyan population.
Canadian officials emphasised that Canada was committed to expanding trade ties with Kenya. The foreign nation is among other countries supporting Kenya's peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
