Kenya–Mexico relations

Kenya-Mexico relations

Kenya
Mexico

Kenya–Mexico relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Kenya and Mexico.

History

Kenya and Mexico established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1977, fourteen years after Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom. In March 1981, Mexico opened an embassy in Nairobi. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both nations have increased their involvements in mutual scientific, educational and cultural exchanges cooperation.[1]

In March 2002, former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi attended the Monterrey Consensus Conference in Monterrey, Mexico.[2] In 2010, Mexico hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun. Among the invitees was Prime Minister Raila Odinga. During the conference, former President Felipe Calderón and Prime Minister Odinga met and during their reunion, both leaders discussed increasing high level discussions between leaders of both nations and reaching agreements on education, environment, aeronautic cooperation, health and extradition.[1] In 2011 and again in 2014; a Kenyan parliamentary delegation visited Mexico to discuss issues on national security, combating organized crime, refugees and financial cooperation.[3]

Migration

Kenyan runner in the State of Mexico

Kenyans are a recent immigrant group in Mexico and are made up primarily of athletes and their families. These individuals have arrived to train at high altitudes for endurance running. The largest Kenyan community is found in Toluca[4] which has an elevation of 2,667m and is in proximity to the 4,680m Nevado de Toluca. Zacatecas is also a destination due to the elevation and similarity to the geography of Kenya.[5] Another factor that makes Mexico appealing to athletes is its location for easy access to marathons in North and South America.[5] These resident Kenyans dominate national marathons.[4] Many of these runners save winnings to send to their families in Kenya.[4][5]

A smaller group of Kenyans in Mexico are professionals or students and tend to reside in Mexico City. Notable individuals include runner Hillary Kipchirchir Kimaiyo, actor Arap Bethke and actress Lupita Nyong'o.

Trade relations

In 2015, two-way trade between both nations amounted to $9.3 million USD.[6] Mexico's main exports to Kenya include: probing and drilling machinery, tractors and alcohol (beer). Kenyan exports to Mexico include: vegetable oil, cotton fibers, tea and leather.[3]

Resident diplomatic missions

References

  1. 1 2 Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Country profile on Kenya (in Spanish)
  2. ↑ President Daniel rap Moi attends the Monterrey Consensus in 2002 (in Spanish)
  3. 1 2 Visita al Senado de la República de una Delegación de Comisión de Finanzas y Asignaciones de la Asamblea Nacional de Kenia (in Spanish)
  4. 1 2 3 "Maratonistas, correr en México para sobrevivir en Kenia". Tersa. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 "Zacatecas, la "pista" de atletas kenianos". El Universal. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
  6. ↑ Mexican Ministry of the Economy: Kenya (in Spanish)
  7. ↑ Embassy of Kenya in Washington, DC
  8. ↑ Embassy of Mexico in Nairobi (in English and Spanish)
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