Why Iranian President's Visit To Kenya Was Postponed

Earlier reports had indicated that Raisi had cancelled his visit to Kenya, which formed part of a three-day official tour that included stops in Uganda and Zimbabwe

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jul 11, 2023 - 11:46 Updated: Jul 11, 2023 - 11:49
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Why Iranian President's Visit To Kenya Was Postponed
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during a ceremony marking the country's annual army day in Tehran on April 18, 2023. /AFP

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, on Tuesday, July 11 revealed that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi rescheduled his visit to Kenya to Wednesday, July 12.

In a statement, Mutua noted that the purpose of rescheduling the visit to an extra day was to review the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Earlier reports had indicated that Raisi had cancelled his visit to Kenya, which formed part of a three-day official tour that included stops in Uganda and Zimbabwe, marking the first visit to these countries by an Iranian President in over 10 years.

President William Ruto speaking at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. /PCS

Mutua thus announced that Raisi will land in the country on July 12.

"The President of Iran His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi was scheduled to arrive in the country for a visit today. The visit was to provide the two countries with an opportunity to review and re-energize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

"The schedule of the President has now been reviewed to allow for the finalization of key MoUs that are central to the furtherance of relations. The Iranian President will now arrive tomorrow for a State Visit," stated Mutua in part.

The CS also noted that Raisi will be hosted by President William Ruto at State House at 7 am on that day.

"The President will be at State House at 7.00 am tomorrow for a bilateral meeting. He will, thereafter, proceed to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta before proceeding to tour other African countries," added the statement.

State House Press Secretary, Emmanuel Talam, had invited journalists to a joint press briefing scheduled for 9:00 am, but it was called off following the news of Raisi's cancellation.

The last-minute cancellation of the visit raised questions about its potential impact on the bilateral ties between Iran and Kenya.

Critics had begun to speculate about the consequences of the incident on the relationship between the two nations.

President Ruto had extended an official invitation to President Raisi, with the intention of discussing various areas of mutual interest that included trade expansion, energy cooperation, advancements in agriculture, and technological collaboration.

Additionally, both leaders were expected to sign cooperation agreements to strengthen the trade links between the two countries.

Iran's delegation, consisting of the foreign minister and influential business figures, was also scheduled to participate in these discussions.

On Monday, July 10, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani praised the trip as a turning point for both countries as it would enhance economic ties between the two nations.

Kenya and Iran enjoy trade relations with the latter importing an average of Ksh2 billion worth of tea, and Ksh57 million of coffee - according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (the world's leading data visualization tool for international trade data).

President William Ruto speaking at State House while hosting European Union (EU) delegates on June 19, 2023 /PCS

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