December 19, 2025(Nosheen): The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to commemorate Kenya’s ‘Jamhuri Day’. The proceedings, which began with the national anthems of Pakistan, Kenya and East African Community (EAC), were moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Lt. Gen (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan; Mr. Ibrar Hussain Khan, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and the Keynote Speaker was Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (MOFA).
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said Pakistan and Kenya share deep historical ties rooted in a common colonial legacy, commonwealth membership, and Pakistan’s support for Kenya’s independence. He highlighted strong contemporary relations, including nearly one billion dollars in bilateral trade, Pakistan’s import of Kenyan tea, people-to-people links, defence and civil service cooperation, and a vibrant diaspora. Noting their partnership in the Global South, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Maritime Silk Road, he emphasised Afro-Asian solidarity and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries.
During his address, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stated that the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad was pleased to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of Kenya’s Jamhuri Day in partnership with PAIDAR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He paid tribute to the leadership of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan in strengthening Pakistan–Africa ties. He noted that Jamhuri Day marks Kenya’s independence on 12 December 1963 and its transformation into a republic under Jomo Kenyatta. He emphasised that the day embodies sovereignty, unity, and self-rule, a cause that Pakistan fully supported, and recalled Kenya’s freedom struggle as part of Africa’s wider decolonisation.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood further observed that Kenya has consolidated its position as a leading African state with a diversified economy, strong governance, and achievements in tourism, conservation, and business innovation. He highlighted the cordial relations between Pakistan and Kenya, including the growing trade and defence cooperation, the contribution of a vibrant Pakistani diaspora, and collaboration in multilateral forums. He emphasised Kenya’s key place under Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy and the potential for cooperation across multiple sectors. He concluded by conveying congratulations to the Government and people of Kenya and reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen friendship and cooperation for peace, prosperity, and development. He also announced the establishment of an “Africa Corner” at ISSI in 2026 as part of the efforts to reinforce Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” policy.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan highlighted the cordial Pakistan–Kenya relations, emphasizing trade, connectivity, and complementarities in tea and rice. He expressed interest in agricultural projects, joint industrial ventures, youth skills development, and collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, military, tourism, and Mombasa Port. He also recalled Kenya hosting the Pakistan–Africa Trade Development Conference in 2020 with over 200 Pakistani businessmen.
Dr. Amina Khan stated that Kenya’s Jamhuri Day reflects the country’s historic struggle for independence and its continued commitment to unity, development, and regional cooperation. She highlighted Kenya’s importance under Pakistan’s Engage Africa initiative and reaffirmed CAMEA’s dedication to strengthening Pakistan–Kenya relations through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and sustained institutional engagement.
High Commissioner Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Peter M. Njiru said Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrated its journey from colonial rule to independence and honoured the nation’s founders. He highlighted Kenya’s stability, democracy, economic dynamism, leadership in regional peace, climate resilience, and technology, and noted strong, longstanding relations with Pakistan, including growing cooperation in trade, maritime security, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
High Commissioner Ibrar Hussain highlighted Kenya’s importance for Pakistan, noting its democratic stability, promising future, peaceful environment, temperate climate, and low energy costs with nearly 90% renewable energy. He praised Kenya’s inclusive society and 30,000-strong Pakistani community, and cited USD 19 million in trade from recent exhibitions, noting Africa as the future of global growth.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his vote of thanks, noted that as Pakistan expands its engagement with Africa, Kenya holds a special strategic importance. He added that Pakistan should further develop its strategic economic partnership with Kenya, building on cooperation and shared ideals.