This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed Spain's Foreign Minister Joseph Borell Fontelles to State House in Nairobi on September 17, 2019, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Fontelles praised President Kenyatta's unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and economic crimes, stating that this determination would greatly enhance investor confidence worldwide.
The Spanish Minister also commended the historic handshake between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga on March 9, 2018, which has contributed to the country's peace and stability.
President Kenyatta reaffirmed his commitment to working with Raila Odinga to bring Kenyans together and foster a peaceful coexistence.
The two leaders discussed the government's Big 4 agenda, focusing on affordable housing for low-income earners in urban areas. Fontelles expressed Spain's willingness to engage in a partnership to achieve this goal, citing the country's successful social housing model.
Under the 'Vivienda de Proteccion Publica' scheme, houses are subsidized by the state through reduced interest loans to providers, making them available to the public on owner-occupation terms.
Kenya aims to construct at least 500,000 affordable houses by 2022, and Fontelles welcomed the country's efforts to improve operations at the Port of Mombasa, which Spain has supported through reforms to enhance efficiency.
President Kenyatta assured Spain that Kenya is working to streamline operations at the port and de-congest it, with significant changes expected within a month.
The two nations also agreed to develop partnerships in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind energy, to reduce electricity costs in industrial parks.
Additionally, they discussed potential partnerships in sports, particularly football and athletics, with Spain offering to develop football academies in Kenya to tap into the country's football talent.
President Kenyatta and Fontelles emphasized the importance of multilateralism in combating terrorism and violent extremism, with Kenya and Spain agreeing to support each other during the upcoming United Nations Security Council elections.
The meeting concluded with President Kenyatta extending an invitation to Spanish President Pedro Sanchez to visit Kenya at a convenient date, and Fontelles reciprocating with an invitation for President Kenyatta to visit Spain.
