KENYA TO PURSUE TRADE, INVESTMENT AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AT CHOGM 2026
KENYA TO PURSUE TRADE, INVESTMENT AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AT CHOGM 2026
The Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei, has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda ahead of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026), scheduled to take place in Capital of St. John’s from 1–4 November 2026.
PS arrives ahead of the Deputy President H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, EGH, who will beleading the Kenyan delegation at the biennial summit and representing H.E. the President at the meeting whose theme is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
This year’s CHOGM follows a reformed format that places decisions ahead of declarations in place of set-piece speeches and national statements, Heads of Government will engage in moderated, outcome-oriented dialogue on trade and investment, debt and climate finance, and investing in people.
The Commonwealth brings together 56 independent countries representing approximately 2.7 billion people across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific. Trade among its members stood at about US$880 billion in 2024, against a collective target of US$2 trillion by 2030. That is a significant network of markets, investors and institutions with which Kenya can deepen cooperation.
Membership alone, however, does not guarantee growth or investment; it must be put to work. Kenya will use the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to advance its economic interests, attract investment and strengthen international partnerships.
As such, participation is not only about attending an international meeting, it is a deliberate diplomatic engagement, guided by clear national priorities, through which the Government seeks to advance Kenya’s interests, strengthen partnerships and secure practical outcomes that contribute to the country’s economic transformation and the well-being of its citizens.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oeisaid Kenya’s participation was guided by clear national priorities and a commitment to securing tangible benefits for citizens.
“CHOGM presents Kenya with an important platform to deepen trade, attract investment, expand market access and strengthen partnerships that support our national development agenda. Our focus is on translating diplomatic engagement into practical economic opportunities for Kenyans,” said the Principal Secretary.
Kenya will leverage the gathering’s investment and business engagements to promote investment-ready projects, advance value addition, strengthen enterprise development and explore opportunities across sectors including infrastructure, energy, tourism, technology and the blue economy.
Other elements of interest to Kenya include; championg Africa’s interests in discussions on international financial reform, equitable access to climate finance and sustainable development, while promoting skills development, entrepreneurship and digital opportunities for young people and women.
“Kenya’s engagement is about ensuring that our voice is heard on issues that matter to developing countries, while building partnerships that can deliver investment, create jobs and support inclusive growth. We will pursue opportunities that align with Kenya’s priorities and the aspirations of our people,” Dr. Sing’Oei added.
The delegation will further advance Kenya’s bilateral relations and seek support for national and international priorities, including the candidature of Supreme Court Judge Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u for election to the International Criminal Court for the 2027–2036 term.
Kenya’s participation reflects its commitment to practical Commonwealth cooperation, with success measured by the partnerships strengthened, opportunities unlocked and tangible benefits delivered to the Kenyan people.