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Author: Kenya High Commission

MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

I am pleased to welcome you to the official website of the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. Thank you for finding time to interact with the website, a virtual eye into Kenya and the activities of its representative office in South Africa. The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria is also accredited to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The focus of the High Commission is to nurture the existing diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Africa and the other two countries of accreditation as well as explore new opportunities for the deepening of cooperation between our countries. 

Kenya and South Africa share strong bonds of friendship, anchored on mutual respect, common values and solidarity not only on issues of bilateral concern, but also on regional, and international matters. The relationship with South Africa has been characterised by high-level visits and rich diplomatic exchanges. This has elevated the nature and scope of all areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. 

2022 was specially a good year in the context of bilateral relations with South Africa. At the invitation of H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, paid a two-day State Visit to the Republic of Kenya from 8th – 9th November, 2022. The purpose of the visit was to review the current state of bilateral relations and evaluate progress made in the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation whilst exploring cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.

During the above-mentioned State Visit, our two countries concluded longstanding negotiations on a visa free regime for Kenyans holding ordinary passports for up to 90 days per calendar year effective 1st January 2023. The ongoing implementation of the visa free travel is expected to promote people-to-people interaction, facilitate tourism exchanges and also boost trade and investment.

My colleagues and I remain committed to the mandate of representing Kenya in South Africa and other countries of accreditation as we promote, strengthen and expand friendly relations and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the Kenyan people. In doing this, we will be focussing on H.E. President William Ruto’s five key priority areas of transforming Agriculture, transforming Micro-small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) economy, Housing and Settlement, Healthcare for all  Kenyans as well as digital superhighway and creative economy.

Provision of consular services and safeguarding interests of Kenyans residing in South Africa and countries of accreditation remains of importance to the Mission.  To ensure effective and efficient provision of services, the Mission will work closely with the newly formed State Department for Diaspora Affairs, whose mandate is to support the Kenyan Diaspora.  Some of the consular services offered at the Mission include issuance of E-passports, issuance of Identity Cards, and authentication of various documents. I invite members of the Diaspora to register with the High Commission to enable us develop an accurate data base for effective services.

In conclusion, I would like to assure you that the Mission continues to maintain an open-door policy and welcomes inquiries on areas of interest, and will handle the same in adherence to its core values of:

  • Professionalism and Dedication
  • Team spirit & Collective Responsibility
  • Integrity, Dignity and Responsibility
  • Pan-Africanism
  • Efficient and Effective quality service
  • Equity and Discipline

CATHERINE MUIGAI MWANGI

HIGH COMMISSIONER