The Embassy of Kenya in Kinshasa, in collaboration with the State Department for Trade, officially launched the Inaugural Kenya Week and Golf Tournament at La Grande Residence in Gombe, Kinshasa.
The event blends commerce, sports and culture in a bid to deepen bilateral relations between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while positioning Kenya as a strategic hub for regional trade and connectivity.
In the opening ceremony, Kenya’s Ambassador to the DRC, Ambassador Moni Manyange, expressed gratitude for the goodwill shared between the two nations.
He emphasized that the initiative will diversify priority areas of cooperation through structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings, exhibitions, networking sessions and panel discussions.
These platforms will help build lasting economic linkages that go beyond transactional exchanges, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
Representing the Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam and the Secretary of Administration, Mr. Patrick Mukuria, highlighted Kenya’s pivotal role in East African logistics. He noted the importance of the Port of Mombasa, which serves as the backbone of regional trade and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which connects African capitals and facilitates cross-border commerce.
Mukuria also outlined recent policy reforms aimed at boosting Kenya’s competitiveness in global trade, which include the introduction of the National Tax Policy to streamline fiscal frameworks.
The removal of VAT on exported services, making businesses more attractive to international markets. To overhaul of laws governing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to encourage investment.
The elimination of the 30% domestic equity requirement for ICT entities opens doors for foreign investors and innovation in the technology sector.
They focused on streamlining visa processing to ease travel between Kenya and the DRC, promoting exchange programs to foster educational ties and encouraging agro-tourism and filed excursions as new avenues for economic and collaborations.
The opening ceremony had high-level representatives, including Ms. Lutula Shoko Lucianne from the DRC Ministry of Agriculture, the CEO of the Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (KECOPAC), Mr. Lukas Mwago and officials from Kenya’s State Departments for Trade and Diaspora Affairs.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a gateway economy in East Africa, the initiative highlights the country’s ambition to lead in logistics, innovation and diplomacy. For the DRC, the event offers a valuable opportunity to tap into Kenya’s networks and expertise, creating a win-win for both nations.
