The Chairperson of the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee Nelson Koech (Belgut) has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s bilateral relations with the Republic of Yemen.
He particularly named security, trade, economic cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy.
Koech made the remarks during a consultative meeting with Abdulsalam Alwadihi, Head of Mission and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen to the United Nations Office in Nairobi, who paid a courtesy call on the Chairperson at Parliament Buildings.
The discussions focused largely on the prevailing security situation in Yemen and its wider implications for regional and international stability.
Among the key concerns raised were security challenges posed by Houthi militias, including continued attacks on military and civilian installations, as well as threats to maritime security along the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The envoy noted that insecurity in the strategic maritime corridor has significant implications for international trade, given its importance as a major shipping route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the wider global market.
The disruptions also have a direct bearing on Kenya’s trade interests, including the export of key products such as tea.
“We want to emphasise the important role that the Kenyan Parliament can play in supporting the efforts of stabilising Yemen and bringing peace,” he said.
In response, Koech assured the envoy that Kenya will continue to deepen its relations with Yemen and explore avenues for enhanced parliamentary and diplomatic engagement.
He proposed the formation of a Kenya-Yemen Parliamentary Friendship Group to provide a structured platform for sustained dialogue, exchange of experiences and cooperation between the two legislatures.
The meeting also explored opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trade and investment.
Discussions further touched on Kenya’s potential role in supporting future reconstruction and recovery efforts in Yemen once conditions allow, as well as opportunities for labour mobility between the two countries.
Both sides agreed on the need to formalise areas of cooperation and indicated plans to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would provide a framework for advancing bilateral relations and identifying mutually beneficial areas of engagement.
