Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in Kenya to Deepen Digital and Development Ties
President Ruto hailed the forum as a key step in building economic partnerships and welcomed the Slovenian business delegation.
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar arrives in Kenya for a three-day State Visit focused on boosting bilateral ties and digital transformation. Photo/Musalia Mudavadi.
By Robert Assad
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar is in Kenya for a three-day State Visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on digital transformation and emerging technologies.
This marks the first-ever State Visit by a Slovenian Head of State to Kenya. Upon her arrival on Saturday, President Musar was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
On Sunday, she will be the Chief Guest at Kenya’s 61st Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County, underscoring growing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Speaking during a joint press briefing at State House Nairobi, President William Ruto welcomed Slovenia’s expertise in digital innovation, highlighting plans to partner in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital identity systems, and data protection.
“Slovenia’s advancement in e-government, smart infrastructure, and data protection aligns with Kenya’s ambition to become Africa’s digital innovation hub,” President Ruto said.
He noted that Kenya is keen to tap into Slovenia’s experience to strengthen its digital economy, particularly in support of public service delivery and the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan.
Beyond technology, the leaders held bilateral talks covering agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and trade. Key among the initiatives is a beekeeping project in Mandera County, set to be expanded across Kenya to promote biodiversity, food security, and rural job creation.
President Ruto also emphasized Kenya’s interest in collaborating with Slovenia in smart farming technologies and value addition in agriculture. In education, both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in STEM and vocational training to empower youth.
The visit also saw the launch of the Kenya-Slovenia Business Forum, with a focus on unlocking trade and investment in pharmaceuticals, ICT, agro-processing, and clean energy.
President Ruto hailed the forum as a key step in building economic partnerships and welcomed the Slovenian business delegation.
Additionally, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable forestry, eco-tourism, and non-timber forest product development.
President Ruto concluded by praising Slovenia’s deepening engagement with Kenya and Africa, calling the visit a milestone in the two countries’ evolving partnership.
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