This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Barbados for a three-day state visit, marking the second leg of his Caribbean tour.
During a welcome reception hosted by Barbadian Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, President Kenyatta described Barbados as a strategic partner for Kenya in the Caribbean, citing their shared English language and African heritage.
“Barbados is an English speaking country with populations of African heritage. Our similarities are greater than our differences,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta noted that Kenya's engagement with its African diaspora has been lacking, but expressed confidence that his visit would strengthen relations between the two countries.
He said, “It is my belief that this visit will lead to stronger links and bonds of friendship between our two countries as well as the people of the wider Caribbean region and the African continent.”
Barbadian Governor General Dame Sandra Mason welcomed President Kenyatta's visit, describing it as a testament to the friendly relations between Kenya and Barbados.
She said, “Our relationship was established on the basis of mutual understanding, respect and dignity. Following this visit, I believe that our strengthened relationship will be expressed at a new level of interaction and cooperation.”
President Kenyatta's visit to Barbados comes after a similar visit to Jamaica, where he witnessed the signing of four agreements to deepen bilateral and people-to-people ties.
