Kenya’s embassy in Kinshasa, together with the State Department for Trade, concluded a two‑day Kenya Week and Golf Tournament at La Grande Residence in Gombe, the first such initiative aimed at resetting bilateral relations.

Acting Ambassador Moni Manyange thanked both governments for their goodwill and said the programme would broaden cooperation through business‑to‑business meetings, exhibitions, networking sessions and panel discussions.

Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam and Secretary of Administration Patrick Mukuria highlighted Kenya’s role in regional logistics, noting the importance of the Port of Mombasa and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for trade across African capitals.

Background to the diplomatic chill

Relations soured after President William Ruto took office in September 2022, with Kenya withdrawing from an East African Community Regional Force in eastern Congo in late 2023 and Ruto’s campaign remarks mocking Congolese people and culture.

Kinshasa also viewed Kenya’s close ties with Rwanda, accused of backing the M23 rebellion, as a further source of tension.

Economic stakes for both countries

Despite political friction, the DRC remained Kenya’s fastest‑growing export market in the region in 2024, with Kenyan firms such as Equity Bank and Kenya Airways maintaining a strong presence in Kinshasa.

The DRC’s large population and abundant cobalt, copper and lithium deposits make it a strategic market for Kenya as global powers seek deeper ties with Kinshasa.

Future steps and expectations

Organisers acknowledge that the golf tournament alone will not resolve high‑level political differences, but it provides a platform for informal dialogue and a foundation for further engagement at senior government levels.