Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has embarked on a three-day official visit to Budapest, Hungary, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between Kenya and Hungary. During his visit, Mudavadi is set to sign two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on agriculture and education, marking a significant step in enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
The visit follows an invitation from Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, who visited Kenya in early 2023 to discuss areas of mutual interest. Mudavadi’s itinerary includes a meeting with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, where the two leaders will explore ways to deepen partnerships and open new avenues for collaboration. According to Jacob Ngetich, Director of Press Services at the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office, the MoUs will cement the shared aspirations of Kenya and Hungary to promote bilateral ties and leverage the immense potential in agriculture, education, and other sectors.
Hungary has been a key partner for Kenya in the education sector, offering 200 annual scholarships to Kenyan students through the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme. The new MoU on education is expected to further strengthen this partnership, fostering academic exchange and capacity building. In agriculture, the two nations will formalize arrangements for the exchange of expertise and best practices to enhance productivity. Hungary has already established a demonstration farm in one of Kenya’s agriculturally rich counties, showcasing Hungarian technology and innovation in sustainable farming. This initiative is expected to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in agricultural value-addition industries, benefiting both economies.
Additionally, Mudavadi will advocate for the implementation of an earlier MoU on nuclear energy cooperation, signed during Szijjártó’s visit to Kenya. The agreement focuses on training and education in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, promoting it as a clean and renewable energy source. This aligns with Kenya’s goal of diversifying its energy mix to meet growing demand.
The visit also seeks to revitalize the long-standing relationship between Kenya and Hungary, which dates back to Kenya’s independence in 1963. By fostering collaboration in agriculture, education, and energy, Mudavadi’s trip underscores Kenya’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.
