The UK’s Minister for Africa, Rory Stewart, visited Kenya from 27-28 November, to attend the inauguration of H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta. This was Mr. Stewart’s first official visit to Kenya.

Mr. Stewart attended the inauguration ceremony and the official inauguration luncheon on 28 November.

In the afternoon, Mr. Stewart met with H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and passed on a message of congratulations from the UK Prime Minister, alongside an invitation to the Commonwealth Summit in London next year.

During productive discussions, H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. Stewart discussed the future of the wide-ranging partnership shared by the UK and Kenya. Mr. Stewart welcomed the President’s commitment to national unity, and made clear his hope that Kenya will now come together in the spirit of reconciliation, after a difficult election period. 

Speaking at the end of the visit, Mr. Stewart said:

“I am pleased that I was able to visit Kenya today, and attend Kenyatta’s inauguration. Today marks the moment where Kenya can move forward after a prolonged, divisive, election period in a new spirit of reconciliation. I hope that all Kenyans will recognise the need now for national dialogue, and healing.”

“The UK has extensive and historic links with Kenya, through our business links, our development programmes, and our diasporas. This has been an opportunity to reaffirm our partnership and hear more about the ways that our two countries can work together.”

Background

Rory Stewart OBE MP was appointed as the UK’s joint Minister of State for the Department for International Development and Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 13 June 2017.