Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called for stronger economic cooperation between Kenya and Germany, with a focus on attracting investment, technology and job opportunities for young Kenyans.
Mudavadi hosted Manfred Pentz, State Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs of the German state of Hesse, who is leading a delegation of German businesses participating in the East Africa CEO and Investment Forum 2026 in Nairobi.
The two-day forum, running from September 17 to 18, brings together government officials, CEOs, investors, development finance institutions and other stakeholders to advance trade and investment opportunities across the region.
Mudavadi said Kenya wants its longstanding partnership with Germany to translate into increased investment, technology transfer, innovation and manufacturing, with the potential to expand skills development and employment opportunities.
“More investment. More technology. More opportunities for young Kenyans,” Mudavadi said in a statement following the meeting.
He identified Germany as an important partner in Kenya’s economic transformation, particularly in technology, clean energy, skills development and innovation.
The discussions come as German businesses deepen their engagement with East Africa. Pentz is leading a wider German delegation on a regional tour that includes Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, with participating companies exploring investment and cooperation opportunities in sectors including digital technology, artificial intelligence, agribusiness, logistics, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
The East Africa CEO and Investment Forum is also designed to move discussions beyond dialogue towards actual business partnerships and investment deals, through business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking sessions.
Mudavadi said Kenya’s engagement with Germany should ultimately deliver practical economic benefits, including stronger manufacturing, skills development and opportunities for young people.
“Diplomacy must ultimately translate into opportunity, investment and better livelihoods for our people,” he said.