PS Teresia Mbaika Leads High-Level Kenya–Italy Talks to Boost Connectivity, Tourism and Trade

PS Teresia Mbaika led a Kenyan delegation to Rome for a high-level bilateral institutional consultation aimed at deepening Kenya–Italy diplomatic and economic cooperation, with a strong focus on enhanced connectivity between the two countries.

The consultations explored new avenues for cooperation to fully leverage the long-standing diplomatic relations between Kenya and Italy. Central to the discussions was the need to improve air connectivity, a move expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and overall economic exchange.

Speaking during the meeting, PS Mbaika reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment and enthusiasm to partner with the Government of Italy in accelerating mutual economic growth, noting that enhanced connectivity would unlock vast opportunities for investors, traders, and tourists in both countries.

The Italian delegation was led by H.E. Edmondo Cirielli, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, alongside Dott. Maurizio Leo, Vice Minister for Finance and Economy. The two sides underscored the importance of institutional collaboration and practical frameworks to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.

PS Mbaika was accompanied by H.E. Fredrick Matwang’a, Kenya’s Ambassador to Italy; Mr. Mohammed Gedi, Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority; Mr. George Kamal, Acting Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways; Dr. Kalua “Green”, and other senior government officials. The presence of key aviation and transport stakeholders highlighted Kenya’s strategic interest in establishing direct flight connections between the two countries.

Following the bilateral talks, PS Mbaika paid a courtesy call to the Kenya Embassy in Italy, where she commended the embassy staff for their outstanding work in advancing Kenya’s diplomatic and economic interests.

Statistics shared during the engagement revealed that Italy is Kenya’s second-largest source market for tourists after the United Kingdom, with approximately 109,000 Italian tourists visiting Kenya by the close of 2025.

Kenyan officials noted that the introduction of direct flights would significantly increase these numbers while also facilitating higher trade volumes between Nairobi and Rome.

The Rome consultations mark a key step in Kenya’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships, expand air connectivity, and position the country as a leading destination for tourism, investment, and trade in Europe and beyond.