President Barrow visits Kenya to strengthen partnerships, emphasizes progress

President Adama Barrow’s inaugural visit to Kenya marked a significant step in fostering bilateral relations and cultural exchange.

Attending the 61st Independence Anniversary of Kenya, President Barrow combined diplomacy, faith, and development-focused engagement during his stay.

Upon arrival, President Barrow, accompanied by Kenyan Minister of Mines, Ali Hassan Joho E.G.H., attended Jumu’ah prayers at a Nairobi mosque, where he received a warm reception. Reflecting on his faith, Barrow remarked, “As a practicing Muslim, [I] emphasized the importance of attending Friday prayers wherever [I] travel.” He expressed gratitude for the welcome and thanked President William Ruto for inviting him as the Guest of Honour for the Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Post-prayers, President Barrow sampled traditional Nyama Choma cuisine at a local restaurant before touring the Ken-Gen Geothermal Power Plant, the world’s second-largest, with an impressive production capacity of 800 megawatts.

Educational development was another key focus of his visit. In a meeting with Kenya’s Minister for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, President Barrow discussed potential educational collaborations.

He directed his team to pursue further engagement, saying, “With the necessary political will,” these partnerships could advance quickly. The Gambia’s Honorary Consul, Dr. John O. Kakonge, was tasked with facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize these efforts.

President Barrow also met with Gambian students in Kenya, including Abdou Rahim Jallow, a PhD student in Civil Engineering, and representatives Muhammed Lamin Kebbeh and Nyima Touray. Encouraging them, he praised their contributions, noting that approximately 30 Gambian students are currently studying in Kenyan institutions.

His visit concluded with a tour of a model affordable housing project led by Hon. Alice Wahome, Kenya’s Minister for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. The site, which provides employment for 3,000 workers daily, aims to uplift low-income communities and slum residents. Inspired by the initiative, President Barrow acknowledged its transformative potential, describing it as “a source of inspiration” for improving lives in The Gambia.

Accompanying President Barrow were key officials, including Hon. Mod K. Ceesay, Minister and Chief of Staff; H.E. Jainaba Jagne, outgoing Gambian Ambassador to the African Union; and Ousman Sowe, Director General of the State Intelligence Services.