PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended Kenya’s robust commitment to poverty reduction and affordable housing, calling the country’s efforts a display of “remarkable leadership” during a state banquet hosted by President William Samoei Ruto on Sunday night.
Drawing parallels with Malaysia’s own approach to tackling hardcore poverty, Bernama cited Anwar saying: “I am, like you, very, very passionate about poverty alleviation, housing for the poor and for the masses.”
He praised Kenya’s ambitious programme to build more than 150,000 housing units for low-income communities, describing it as an outstanding example of governance centered on uplifting the people.
Anwar, who is undertaking a two-day official visit to the East African nation, said he was particularly inspired by Kenya’s focus on using political power and state machinery to improve the lives of the underprivileged.
He noted that such a commitment mirrors the spirit of the late Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president and a central figure in the nation’s independence struggle, who championed the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The Malaysian leader emphasised that there is every reason for Malaysia and Kenya to strengthen their bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and investment.
He said Malaysia is prepared to share its expertise, particularly in the semiconductor as well as electrical and electronics industries, while also drawing lessons from Kenya’s rapid development and strong political resolve.
He added that discussions between the two countries would continue on Monday during bilateral talks centred on trade, investment and broader economic collaboration.
Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia’s Finance Minister, is accompanied on the visit by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, senior government officials and a business delegation.
Kenya, located in East Africa, is bordered by South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Lake Victoria and Uganda. In 2024, it emerged as Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in Africa, with total trade rising 1.2 per cent to RM5.7 billion from RM5.51 billion the previous year. - November 24, 2025
