By Urban Shihemi, August 31, 2025
Malaysia’s 68th National Day was marked in Nairobi over the weekend in a colorful ceremony organized by the High Commission of Malaysian to Kenya. The event highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, with calls for expanded cooperation in housing, trade, and investment.
Speaking during the celebrations as the Chief Guest , Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Alice Wahome praised Malaysia’s economic transformation and emphasized the need for closer collaboration, particularly in Kenya’s affordable housing program.
“Kenya stands to benefit immensely from Malaysia’s vast experience in housing and urban development. We welcome strong collaboration with the Government of Malaysia to deliver affordable homes to our people,” Wahome said.
“Malaysia has achieved remarkable milestones in housing and urban planning, and Kenya looks forward to learning from these successes as we roll out our affordable housing agenda,” she added.
The Malaysian High Commissioner to Kenya H.E. Ruzaimi Mohamad reaffirmed his country’s commitment to its six decades of collaboration with Kenya, stating that the partnership has been built on shared values and strong economic ties.
“Our two nations have built strong economic ties, and Malaysia remains committed to expanding these relations to new areas of mutual interest,” the High Commissioner affirmed. he added:
“Malaysia and Kenya enjoy over 60 years of friendship. Our cooperation spans education, health, trade, and infrastructure, and we remain committed to deepening this partnership in the years ahead,” the envoy said.
Diplomatic relations between Kenya and Malaysia date back more than six decades. The two countries have collaborated in areas such as education with Kenyan students pursuing studies in Malaysian universities and trade, where Malaysian companies have shown interest in Kenya’s infrastructure and housing sectors.
This year’s National Day celebration in Nairobi not only highlighted Malaysia’s achievements since independence in 1957 but also reaffirmed the country’s intent to continue nurturing its partnership with Kenya.
Malaysia primarily exports palm oil, industrial fatty acids, and furniture to Kenya, while Kenya exports cocoa beans, coffee, and tea to Malaysia. In return for these commodities, Kenya imports manufactured goods like telecommunications equipment, electronic goods, and industrial machinery from Malaysia.
Malaysia, a Southeast Asian nation known for its diverse culture and rapid economic growth, has become one of the region’s most vibrant economies. With its capital in Kuala Lumpur, the country is a global hub for trade, tourism, and technology.
Tourists from around the world are drawn to Malaysia’s unique attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, once the tallest buildings in the world and the historic city of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Langkawi, famed for its beaches and natural beauty, and the lush Cameron Highlands, known for tea plantations, are among the country’s most visited destinations.
Cultural landmarks such as George Town in Penang, with its colonial architecture and street food culture, as well as the Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site, also reflect Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond tourism, Malaysia is recognized globally for its thriving palm oil, electronics, and manufacturing industries. It is also a key player in the global halal economy, exporting halal-certified goods to many parts of the world, including Africa.
Full Speeches :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J39J1wxfHa4