High Commissioner Lavahun and Dr. Musalia MudavadiDr. Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, welcomed His Excellency Peter K. Lavahun, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner, and his diplomatic entourage to his Nairobi office today in a warm and productive meeting.
High Commissioner Lavahun’s visit aimed to strengthen Sierra Leone and Kenya’s already strong diplomatic ties, sparking discussions on key areas of collaboration that have the potential to improve both countries’ socioeconomic and political relationships.
As the meeting progressed, HE Lavahun expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Cabinet Secretary for the warm reception extended to him and his team. He conveyed warm greetings from his counterpart, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and praised his Ministry’s recent operational framework or Matrix for implementing a series of agreemeThese agreements include the formation of a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) and other Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on defence, trade, tourism, and other issues, and they call for prompt implementation.
HE Lavahun reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to strengthening this diplomatic relationship, emphasising that the bond between the two countries is more than just diplomatic or political; it is deeply rooted in the citizens’ shared African identity.
The discussion also included Kenya’s commitment to assisting Sierra Leone in establishing wildlife sanctuaries and training rangers to manage these critical conservation areas — an important step for both countries in promoting tourism and environmental sustainability.
In addition, the High Commissioner praised Kenya’s assistance in Sierra Leone’s recent pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term. He extended particular gratitude to the Prime Cabinet Secretary for exempting Sierra Leoneans from the previously mandated Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which had created significant challenges for travelers from Sierra Leone to Kenya.
Moreover, HE Lavahun finally recalled his earlier stay in Kenya while serving as the intermediary facilitating the close working relationship between the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, who were deployed as peacekeepers in Somalia, and the Kenya Defence Forces.
In response, the Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi congratulated HE Lavahun on his recent diplomatic responsibility, expressed his sincere appreciation for the visit from him and his delegation; commending their dedication to enhancing diplomatic ties with Kenya and all other countries accredited to the Nairobi Mission. He underscored the necessity of forging strong partnerships that yield mutual benefits, ensuring that both nations can thrive together in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also praised High Commissioner Lavahun’s resume and his illustrious transition from the military to diplomacy, adding that Kenya is now his second home.
He further assured HE Lavahun of Kenya’s full support, maintaining that both Presidents Ruto and Bio have an excellent relationship, which ought to be maintained and carefully fortified.
