NAIROBI –Kenya is looking to Europe for ideas, innovation, and influence.
That was the message from Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, who on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening ties with Austria and the broader European Union.
Speaking after a high-level meeting with Ambassador Makoloo Maurice Kenya’s Permanent Representative to Austria and the UN offices in Vienna Wetang’ula said Europe’s strengths in green energy, science, and environmental policy make it a natural partner.
“This meeting reflects Kenya’s growing interest in making a mark in Vienna and, by extension, in European affairs,” Wetang’ula told reporters at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi. “Our interests are shared. From agricultural research to clean energy, this partnership offers great potential.”
Austria’s Role in Kenya’s Vision
Austria, he noted, plays a key role as a centre for advanced research and sustainable technology. Kenya, with its vast agricultural sector and ambitious development goals, stands to gain from this relationship.
“Innovation in agriculture is an area we must invest in,” said Wetang’ula. “Austria and the EU can support us with expertise in precision farming and climate-smart solutions. These are critical if we are to modernise food production and lift rural communities.”
Focus on Legislative Diplomacy
The Speaker also called for more direct engagement between parliaments, saying political cooperation should go beyond presidents and ambassadors.
“We must grow legislative diplomacy,” he said. “This includes learning from one another, sharing policy insights, and building a shared sense of democratic responsibility.”
He added that such connections not only strengthen laws but also build trust between nations especially as the world becomes more interconnected through issues like climate change and migration.
Faith and Values in Public Life
The conversation also touched on moral leadership. Wetang’ula spoke of the value of faith-based groups in guiding political conduct, pointing to the Parliamentary Catholic Group’s influence in ethical debates.
“Faith matters,” he said. “We are encouraged by how values shape governance in Austria and hope to align in promoting peace, dignity, and servant leadership.”
Kenya’s Voice in Vienna
Ambassador Makoloo echoed the Speaker’s optimism. He said Kenya’s mission in Vienna was increasingly involved in global talks on sustainable development, energy transition, and diplomacy.
“Our role is to make sure Kenya is not just heard but seen as a reliable and forward-thinking partner,” Makoloo said. “We’re focused on building stronger links with European institutions and ensuring that Kenya benefits from cutting-edge ideas.”
Vienna is home to several key international bodies, including UN agencies on drugs, crime, nuclear energy, and industrial development. For Kenya, a more active role in these conversations could mean greater influence and more tangible support on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
Kenya has long courted ties with Western capitals, but Wetang’ula’s remarks signal a strategic shift: one that focuses more on cooperation in research, agriculture, and green growth than traditional aid.
“We’re not begging,” he said. “We’re building partnerships that work for both sides.”
Whether those words translate into meaningful programmes and lasting results will depend on what happens next in both Vienna and Nairobi.
