New Korean chancery in Kenya will elevate Korea's influence in Africa

In the past 62 years in Kenya-Korea diplomatic relations, July 2, 2026, stands as a propitious transitional day.

Korean Ambassador to Kenya Kang Hyung-shik led a high-powered delegation to a groundbreaking ceremony for a purpose-built permanent Korean chancery, located along the verdant Muthangari Drive in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.

Esteemed guests included H.E.

Njoroge Muchiri, deputy governor of Nairobi City County; Amb.

Josphant K.

Maikara, director general of political and diplomatic affairs in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs; H.E.

Beyene Russom, dean of Diplomatic Corps and Eritrean ambassador to Kenya, heads of diplomatic missions in Kenya and myself.

The decision to construct a permanent Korean chancery in Kenya is wise and timely.

It coincides with implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFRA), which is in full swing.

Korea needs a permanent base in a dynamic and stable country to benefit from AfCFTA.

Secondly, a permanent chancery in Nairobi, the gateway to East and Central Africa, not only gives Korea access to a region with a combined ...