The passing of Namibia’s founding President, Sam Nujoma, has reignited memories of Namibia’s long struggle for independence and the crucial role Kenya played in supporting the liberation movement. Nujoma, who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as the country’s first president for 15 years, spent nearly three decades in exile leading the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO).
Kenya’s support for Namibia’s self-rule efforts dates back to 1964 when it made a significant contribution to SWAPO by donating a Land Rover to facilitate the movement’s operations. This act of solidarity was an early indication of Kenya’s commitment to ending colonial rule in Africa and marked the beginning of diplomatic and logistical assistance for Namibia’s independence struggle.
As Namibia transitioned to independence, Kenya played a key role in the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG), which was tasked with overseeing the process. A Kenyan military battalion was deployed to Namibia to ensure a peaceful transition, with Kenyan forces remaining in the country even after independence in 1990 to aid in stabilizing the new nation and training its defense forces.
Since Namibia gained independence, Kenya and Namibia have continued to strengthen their bilateral relations. Over the years, high-level diplomatic visits have reinforced these ties, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Namibian President Hage Geingob engaging in discussions on trade, governance, and cooperation in critical sectors. In September 2023, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi led a delegation to Windhoek for discussions on enhancing bilateral trade relations.
Kenya has also pursued parliamentary diplomacy with Namibia, as Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has advocated for the establishment of the Kenya-Namibia Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) to further diplomatic cooperation.
Upon news of Nujoma’s passing on February 8, 2025, in Windhoek, Kenyan President William Ruto paid tribute to the Namibian leader, describing him as a selfless, courageous, and visionary statesman who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of Namibia. His passing marks the end of an era, but the strong historical bonds between Kenya and Namibia remain a testament to the solidarity that helped shape Namibia’s independence and continue to guide diplomatic relations between the two nations today.
