The government has announced the opening of the Cyprus Embassy in Nairobi, which could potentially unlock thousands of new job opportunities.
The inauguration of the new embassy was announced on Tuesday, July 8, along with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding on political and diplomatic consultations between Kenya and Cyprus.
In a statement, the State Department for Foreign Affairs confirmed the signing of a political consultations pact, which will effectively set the stage for deeper cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and labour mobility.
"Cyprus has officially opened its embassy in Nairobi, marking a new chapter in Kenya-Cyprus ties," the ministry announced in a statement.
During the signing of the MoU, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the establishment of the embassy laid the foundation for cooperation across various key sectors, including trade and education.
Notably, the new embassy is set to serve as a gateway for the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, for tangible gains for ordinary citizens.
One of the most impactful outcomes for the growing relationship between Kenya and Cyprus is the development of a labour mobility framework, which will streamline access to job opportunities for young Kenyans who aspire to work in Cyprus.
The framework is set to open up a safe and structured pathway for skilled workers in various fields, including health, maritime, and education, which the government projects will go a long way in curbing local unemployment.
Cyprus has also pledged to work closely with Kenya to support agricultural exports to Europe, creating new markets for Kenyan produce. As a member of the European Union, Cyprus will assist Kenya in aligning its trade standards with EU requirements, particularly in areas like food safety, packaging, and digital trade systems.
This shift could enhance Kenya’s competitiveness and unlock export potential for farmers.
Another key pillar of the cooperation is education, as the two countries agreed to expand scholarships and skills training programs for Kenyans, particularly targeting areas that face gaps. These programs will help build a more employable workforce and give more young people access to quality international education.
In the tourism sector, Cyprus has shown interest in working with Kenya to promote joint tourism initiatives while tapping into Kenya’s strong 2024 performance, which saw international arrivals surpass 2.4 million.
