Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
Zimbabwe’s foreign policy continues to gain traction, with the country’s relations with Kenya growing from political to economic ties for mutual growth.
The 12th of December each year is celebrated as Jamhuri Day by the people of Kenya.
It is a day punctuated with celebrations and festivities.
Marking the day in Harare this Thursday, Kenya Ambassador to Zimbabwe Her Excellency Stella Munyi narrated strides her country has made in development, policy and good governance while celebrating ties with .
“Relations existing between Kenya and the Republic of Zimbabwe are rooted in deep bonds of friendship which has been nurtured over the year. We continue to cherish and pledge this for a long time to come. In demonstration of these fraternal relations, it is gratifying to note that Kenya and Zimbabwe have an existing bilateral framework anchored on the Joint Permanent Commission and Cooperation, the JPCC,” she said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira noted the milestone engagements between Harare and Nairobi.
“Beyond excellent political relations, we have a deep cultural bond, which is enriched by the movement of both Kenya and Zimbabwean citizens across borders. In 2020, the government of the Republic of Kenya made a decision to grant citizenship status to the Zimbabwean Shona community who migrated to Kenya in the early 1960s. This is a significant pan-African gesture, ladies and gentlemen, which not only underscores Kenya’s openness and rich diversity, but also strengthens the cultural fabric that make our friendship with Kenya a very practical issue,” said Prof Murwira.
Over the years, a number of high level visits have been exchanged between the two countries, including President Ruto’s state visit and official opening of ZITF last year as well President Mnangagwa’ visit to Kenya in 2023.
Meanwhile, the day also witnessed the planting of a tree at the Museum of African Liberation.
