Nairobi, Kenya- July 21st, 2025- ln a warm and productive meeting held today at his Nairobi office, His Excellency Peter K. Lavahun, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner, and his diplomatic entourage were graciously received by Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
High Commissioner Lavahun’s visit aimed to strengthen the already existing diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and Kenya, sparking discussions focused on key areas of collaboration that promise to enhance both socio-economic and political relationships between the two nations.
As the meeting unfolded, HE Lavahun expressed heartfelt thanks to the Prime Cabinet Secretary for the warm welcome accorded to him and his team. He conveyed warm regards from his counterpart, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and praised the recent operational framework or Matrix provided by his Ministry in rolling out a series of agreements designed to deepen the partnership. These agreements include the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) and other Memoranda of Understanding concerning defence, trade, tourism, etc., and urged for swift implementation.
HE Lavahun reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to bolstering this diplomatic relationship, emphasizing that the bond between the two countries is not merely diplomatic or political but is deeply rooted in the citizens with the shared African identity.
The conversation also touched on Kenya’s commitment to assist Sierra Leone in establishing wildlife sanctuaries, along with training rangers to manage these vital conservation areas — a crucial step for both nations in promoting tourism and environmental sustainability.
In addition, the High Commissioner lauded Kenya’s supportive role in Sierra Leone’s recent pursuit of a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term. He extended particular gratitude to the Prime Cabinet Secretary for exempting Sierra Leoneans from the previously mandated Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which had created significant challenges for travelers from Sierra Leone to Kenya.
Moreover, HE Lavahun finally recalled his earlier stay in Kenya while serving as the intermediary facilitating the close working relationship between the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, who were deployed as peacekeepers in Somalia and the Kenya Defence Forces.
In response, the Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi congratulated HE Lavahun on his recent diplomatic responsibility, expressed his sincere appreciation for the visit from him and his delegation; commending their dedication to enhancing diplomatic ties with Kenya and all other countries accredited to the Nairobi Mission. He underscored the necessity of forging strong partnerships that yield mutual benefits, ensuring that both nations can thrive together in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also praised High Commissioner Lavahun’s resume and his illustrious transition from the military to diplomacy, adding that Kenya is now his second home.
He further assured HE Lavahun of Kenya’s full support, maintaining that both Presidents Ruto and Bio have an excellent relationship, which ought to be maintained and carefully fortified.
High Commissioner Lavahun’s diplomatic delegation comprised the Minister Plenipotentiary, the Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya, Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo; Head of Chancery and Minister Counsellor, Mr. Henry Nyandemoh; and the Information Attache’ Mr. Abu Bakarr Dakowa.
A.B. Dakowa
SLHC, Kenya
