Kenya and Switzerland Strengthen Ties in Refugee Empowerment and Education

By James Nyaga

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,  Musalia W. Mudavadi, has commended the Swiss Government for its refugee empowerment program in Dadaab, highlighting its alignment with Kenya’s own Shirika Plan.

The initiative seeks to establish integrated settlements for refugees, promoting self-reliance and sustainable development.

“I commend the Swiss Government for rolling out their refugee empowerment program in Dadaab, which complements Kenya’s Shirika Plan to develop integrated settlements for refugees,” said Mudavadi.

Speaking during bilateral talks with  Ignazio Cassis, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the 58th Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mudavadi urged Switzerland to enhance its collaboration with Kenya in executing this initiative.

The discussions underscored Kenya’s commitment to addressing regional humanitarian challenges while fostering international partnerships. Cassis, in turn, lauded Kenya for its role in conflict resolution in the region and its commitment to democratic governance.

He also recognized Nairobi’s growing stature as a multilateral capital, reinforcing Kenya’s diplomatic influence on the global stage.

Further strengthening bilateral ties, Mudavadi welcomed the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya’s Ministry of Education and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research.

The agreement will pave the way for academic exchanges, scholarships for Kenyan students, and joint research collaborations, enhancing Kenya’s education and innovation landscape.

“I welcome the recent MoU between Kenya’s Ministry of Education and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research. This partnership will facilitate academic exchanges, scholarships for Kenyan students, joint research collaborations, and innovation,” he stated.

He also extended his congratulations to H.E. Karin Keller-Sutter on her election as President of the Swiss Confederation for 2025, acknowledging the trust and confidence placed in her leadership.

This renewed cooperation between Kenya and Switzerland signals a growing diplomatic and developmental partnership, set to benefit both nations in areas of humanitarian support, education, and innovation.