Bilateral ties between Kenya and Ukraine is set to be bolstered as the Ukrainian delegation begins a five-day tour of Kenya.
The delegation, which started its tour on Monday, seeks to increase agricultural trade between the two countries which could reduce the high cost of living.
The delegation, representing Ukraine’s civil, academic, cultural and political communities is led by Ukrainian legislator Lesia Vasylenko.
"One of our aims here in Kenya is to not only discuss how we can export grains to Kenya but to also partner with Kenya to ensure it has the technology required to feed its people and tackle the high cost of living," Vasylenko said at a press briefing at Radisson Blue Hotel in Nairobi.
The delegation is scheduled to hold meetings with several stakeholders.
Already, the team has met Kenya Invest and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce as well as leading businesspeople, to discuss Agri-tech and the use of drones and AI for farming that can help the country be food secure.
"I want Kenyans to know that despite facing a daily storm of missiles and bombs raining on our schools, businesses and farms, Ukraine is doing everything it can to continue to export or donate grain to Africa," the legislator said.
Ukraine has for two years been under an invasion by Russia.
Vasylenko said the invasion has led to hindered export of products, especially grain from Ukraine, thus the high cost of living, globally.
Ukraine is among the top five exporters of grains in the world.
Speaking at the press conference, Oleksandr Khomiak, a former lawyer specializing in private equity and international corporate law who is part of the delegation, stated they believe Kenya will benefit from Ukraine’s expertise.
The lawyer said the country will reap heavily from Ukraine's expertise in e-health, digital governance, agricultural technology, drone technology, nuclear energy, defence and security, and infrastructure development.
“We see Kenya as a gateway to Africa, and we believe that Ukraine can be Kenya’s port for Europe. From drones to special economic zones, Kenya and Ukraine are countries that can do business with each other,” Khomiak said.
The Maidan of Foreign Affairs board chairman Oleh Belokolos said Kenya and Ukraine have many interests in common adding that they stand to benefit from many of the same opportunities.
“In an age where great powers act with impunity, abuse their power and seek to enforce their ways of life on others–smaller democracies like Kenya and Ukraine must stand up for each other sovereignty–be it political, economic or military,” Belokolos said.
Ukrainian Institute programme manager Anastasiia Kapranova averred that politics is about people which is steered by culture hopeful that the culture between Kenya and Ukraine will strengthen their relations.
“I have already experienced the vitality of Kenya’s culture, the vibrancy of your creative industries, and your commitment to protecting and promoting your unique heritage,” Kapranova said.
The delegation is in Nairobi from February 5 to 10.
Already, the delegation has met National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to deliberate on the best ways that the Parliaments of Kenya and Ukraine can work together with Vasylenko saying that their country regards Kenya as a crucial partner in the African continent.
Source: The Star