Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has bid farewell to the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, as she concludes her tour of duty at the end of July.
Hosting the envoy ahead of her departure on July 31, Mudavadi praised the strong relationship forged during her tenure, saying it had advanced cooperation in trade, investment, governance and regional development.
"Partnerships built on trust, shared values and a common vision continue to create new opportunities for Kenya and its people," the PCS said while commending her role in deepening Kenya's long-standing partnership with the bloc.
He thanked Geiger for her contribution to strengthening ties between Kenya and the EU, describing her tenure as instrumental in advancing key areas of bilateral cooperation.
Mudavadi singled out the implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as one of the major achievements realised during her tenure.
"I particularly appreciate our close collaboration in operationalising the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, a landmark 10-year framework that is opening new opportunities for Kenyan exporters, manufacturers, farmers and investors by expanding access to one of the world's largest consumer markets and enhancing our country's global competitiveness," he said.
The EPA, which came into force last year, is expected to boost Kenya's exports to the European market while attracting more investment into the country's manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
The PCS also noted that this year marks the Golden Jubilee of Kenya-EU relations, celebrating 50 years since the establishment of the EU Delegation in Nairobi in 1976.
He said the partnership has evolved significantly over the decades, expanding beyond development cooperation to include trade, investment, education, climate action, governance, and regional peace and security.
"Over the decades, our cooperation has continued to grow across trade, investment, governance, climate action, education and regional peace and security," Mudavadi said.
He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union, saying the relationship remains critical to the country's economic transformation agenda.
"As we build on this strong foundation, Kenya remains committed to deepening its partnership with the European Union in ways that create jobs, attract investment, expand export opportunities and deliver lasting economic and social benefits for our citizens," he said.
Geiger concludes her diplomatic assignment after overseeing a period of closer economic cooperation between Kenya and the EU, including the rollout of the EPA and expanded engagement on climate change, governance and regional stability.
She was appointed as the EU envoy to Kenya in September 2021.
Before being appointed the Ambassador, Geiger was Director for People and Peace in the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission, where she was responsible for cooperation on human development, migration, security, gender equality, human rights, education and health.
Previously, she served as Head of Unit in DG INTPA, responsible for bilateral cooperation with Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Pacific.
Before that she was responsible for the political dimension of the EU’s relations with the Horn of Africa, East Africa and the Indian Ocean in the European External Action Service.
Geiger also served in the EU’s Council of Ministers, the United Nations General Secretariat, and has worked in the private sector and civil society.
Educated in both Germany and the United States, she obtained two master degrees in social sciences and earned a distinction as a Fulbright Scholar.
Her departure comes as Kenya and the EU seek to further strengthen their strategic partnership through increased trade, investment and sustainable development initiatives.
