Kenya pledges continued human rights protection in talks with EU
MICHAEL OMONDI-KNA
Kenya and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing human rights, democratic governance, and strategic cooperation.
The pledge followed a high-level bilateral meeting between the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, and the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren.
The talks, held at the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office at Railways Headquarters in Nairobi, focused on strengthening collaboration under the Kenya–EU partnership framework, with particular emphasis on human rights, institutional governance, and emerging challenges in the digital information space.
Importantly, Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to the promotion and Dr. Mukhwana added that Japan remains one of Kenya’s most trusted and strategic development partners, with cooperation spanning education, research, infrastructure, energy and industrial growth.
“This anniversary is not just about celebrating the past. It is a celebration of friendship, trust and a shared development destiny between Kenya and Japan,” he expressed.
The event marked six decades since Kenya became the first African country to receive Japanese volunteers in 1966.
Since then, more than 1,800 JOCV volunteers have served in the country, supporting national development across education, healthcare, sports, environmental conservation, industrial development and community empowerment, protection of human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
He highlighted the critical role of independent institutions, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), an autonomous judiciary, and a vibrant civil society, in upholding the rule of law, accountability, and democratic norms.
On electoral matters, the Prime CS underscored Kenya’s resolve to conduct free, fair, and transparent general elections in 2027, terming the full nomination of all the commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as a key milestone in enhancing electoral credibility.