Kenya, Azerbaijan ramp up efforts to strengthen bilateral ties

Kenya's Prime cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi gives a speech during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku on November 13, 2024. [AFP]

At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, last September, the world fell short of its $1.3 trillion (Sh167.7 trillion) annual climate finance goal for developing nations, securing just $300 million (Sh38.7 billion).

While this highlighted the long road to climate resilience, it also spotlighted an unlikely but promising partnership between Kenya and Azerbaijan, two nations poised to bridge their worlds through trade, culture, and innovation.

For many Kenyans, Azerbaijan remains unfamiliar- "Azer...what?" or "Is that a country?" are common responses. Yet, this Eurasian nation, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, shares striking parallels with Kenya, Africa's gateway. Both nations are leveraging their geopolitical positions to increase bilateral ties.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, is set to visit Kenya in June, alongside Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev.

Earlier this month, political consultations in Nairobi between Kenya's Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei and Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev further solidified ties.

Trade, however, remains a weak link. Despite Kenya's exports of coffee, tea, and flowers and Azerbaijan's energy expertise, bilateral trade volumes are low. Recent talks between Azerbaijan's SME Agency head, Orkhan Mamedov, and Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya have prioritised boosting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to unlock opportunities in agriculture, technology, and energy.

Tourism is flourishing, with 1,100 Kenyans visiting Azerbaijan in 2024, drawn by events like COP29 and the annual Formula One race in Baku. Conversely, Kenya's safaris and coastal attractions are gaining popularity among Azerbaijanis. Cultural exchanges are also thriving-Azerbaijani cooking shows on YouTube have captivated Kenyan audiences, outshining even Formula One's appeal.

Food, a universal connector, is fostering mutual understanding. Urban development offers another avenue.

Azerbaijan will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in 2026, where Kenya's affordable housing agenda and Azerbaijan's rebuilding efforts in liberated territories can align.

Anar Guliyev, Azerbaijan's urban planning chief and WUF13 coordinator, is currently in Nairobi, laying the groundwork for collaboration. Partnerships in ICT and education could see Kenya adopting Azerbaijan's digital models while sharing expertise in renewable energy and agribusiness. Student exchanges and joint research programs could further strengthen ties.

However, challenges like low trade volumes and limited awareness of Azerbaijan among Kenyans must be addressed through trade agreements, cultural festivals, and public campaigns.