Slovakia Deepens Ties with Kenya Through Education, Trade and Investment Partnerships

By Andrew Mbuva.

Slovakia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic and development cooperation with Kenya, as the country's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár, led a high-level delegation on a visit aimed at expanding bilateral relations between the two nations.

Speaking during a tour of St. Philip Neri Primary School in Mavoko, Machakos County, Minister Blanár said Slovakia is keen on enhancing cooperation with Kenya in key sectors including education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, trade, investment, labour mobility, digitalization and cybersecurity.

The minister noted that since Slovakia gained independence in 1993, the country has steadily built partnerships with Kenya and currently supports more than 400 development projects across various sectors. He emphasized that the next phase of cooperation would focus on strengthening political, economic and bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Blanár was accompanied by one of the largest Slovak business delegations to visit Kenya, comprising 35 entrepreneurs seeking investment and partnership opportunities. The delegation participated in business-to-business engagements aimed at fostering trade and investment linkages between the two countries.

Among the areas identified for future collaboration are information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, education, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Discussions are also underway to establish a Joint Slovak-Kenya Economic Committee to further enhance economic cooperation.

The minister revealed that Kenya and Slovakia have already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering security, ICT and tourism, with additional agreements expected in the near future.

On education, Blanár highlighted St. Philip Neri Primary School as a shining example of the impact of Slovak development assistance. The institution was constructed and equipped through support from SlovakAid and the University School of Health and has become a model learning institution offering quality education and modern facilities.

The school boasts state-of-the-art science and computer laboratories, a well-stocked library, spacious classrooms, sports facilities and a conducive learning environment for pupils.

While praising the project, the Slovak minister called on the Kenyan government to improve road infrastructure leading to the school, noting that access remains a major challenge despite the institution's remarkable achievements.

Kenya's Ambassador to Slovakia and Vienna, Valerie Rugene, described St. Philip Neri as a world-class institution situated in a remote area of Mavoko. She acknowledged that poor road access remains the school's biggest challenge and pledged to engage relevant government authorities to explore possible solutions.

Ambassador Rugene further commended the school's inclusive learning model, which integrates children from different social and economic backgrounds, allowing both needy and well-off learners to study together in the same environment.

Machakos County Director of Education Margaret Mwirigi lauded the institution for setting high standards in education. She noted that the school is fully registered by the Ministry of Education and effectively implements the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.

According to Mwirigi, the school provides all essential facilities required for quality learning, including modern computer laboratories, a library, swimming pool and well-maintained sports grounds.

She welcomed the growing partnership between Kenya and Slovakia, expressing hope that similar support could be extended to public schools across the country to improve educational standards.

St. Philip Neri Director Nicodemus Kimuli expressed gratitude for Slovakia's continued support, saying the institution has greatly benefited from SlovakAid's investment in education infrastructure and learning resources.

Kimuli said the assistance has enabled the school to establish modern ICT facilities, a fully equipped library, spacious classrooms, a semi-Olympic swimming pool and a football turf, significantly enhancing the quality of education offered to learners.

Located in Athi River Sub-County, Machakos County, St. Philip Neri Primary School stands as a testament to the growing partnership between Kenya and Slovakia and the transformative impact of international cooperation in advancing education and community development.