Kenya and the Commonwealth of Dominica have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, pledging to expand cooperation in trade, investment, maritime affairs, tourism, human resource development and multilateral diplomacy, according to Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The commitment emerged from a bilateral meeting held on the margins of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, between Dr. A. Korir Sing'oei, Principal Secretary of Kenya's State Department for Foreign Affairs, and Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, Dominica's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy.
Both sides described the relationship as rooted in shared Commonwealth membership, historical connections, South-South cooperation and a common commitment to multilateralism. On trade, Kenya identified tea, coffee and other agricultural products as potential exports to the Dominican market. The two countries also explored collaboration in tourism promotion, sports, cultural exchange, hospitality management and skills development.
A concrete area of progress centred on maritime cooperation. The two governments highlighted a Mutual Recognition Agreement signed on 19th February 2026, which recognises Kenyan maritime certifications and opens employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers on Dominica-flagged and international commercial vessels.
Both parties expressed interest in convening the inaugural Joint Commission for Cooperation in Nairobi and in establishing regular political consultations between their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
"Kenya attaches great importance to its longstanding relations with Dominica and remains committed to translating our shared historical and Commonwealth ties into practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to our people," PS Sing'oei said.
At the multilateral level, Kenya and Dominica reaffirmed their intention to work together within the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other international forums on sustainable development, climate action, international peace and security, and reforms aimed at equitable representation of developing countries in global governance institutions. Kenya also sought Dominica's support for the candidature of Hon. Justice Njoki Ndung'u for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court, as well as for Kenya's bid to host CHOGM 2028.
"By strengthening our engagement within the Commonwealth and other multilateral platforms, Kenya and Dominica can advance shared priorities and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive and equitable international order," PS Sing'oei added.
This article is based on a primary source and has undergone editorial review prior to publication.
