Kenya has officially bid farewell to five outgoing European ambassadors, marking the end of a significant diplomatic chapter as Kenya and the European Union (EU) deepen cooperation following the implementation of the landmark Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The departing envoys are Austria’s Ambassador Christian Fellner, Belgium’s Ambassador Peter Maddens, Cyprus’ Ambassador Savvas Vladimirou, France’s Ambassador Arnaud Suquet, and the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger.
The EU Delegation in Kenya hosted a farewell ceremony in Nairobi on Thursday, honoring the diplomats for their contribution to strengthening Kenya-EU relations during a period marked by increased collaboration in trade, investment, governance, climate action, education, and regional peace and security.
Speaking during separate farewell meetings with the ambassadors, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi praised the outgoing diplomats for their role in advancing bilateral cooperation.
“Partnerships built on trust, shared values and a common vision continue to create new opportunities for Kenya and its people,” Mudavadi said while bidding farewell to EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger.
He noted that the operationalisation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement represents a major milestone that will enhance market access for Kenyan exports, create investment opportunities, and boost the country’s global competitiveness.
“The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement provides a solid framework to expand opportunities for our exporters, manufacturers, farmers and investors while strengthening Kenya’s position in international trade,” Mudavadi added.
Among the departing diplomats, Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens leaves with a unique personal connection to Kenya.
Maddens attended St. Mary’s School, Nairobi, where he was a classmate of former President Uhuru Kenyatta during his childhood. His father, Pieter Maddens, served as Belgium’s ambassador to Kenya in the 1970s.
In a remarkable family milestone, Peter Maddens presented his credentials to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2021—almost five decades after his father presented his credentials to Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta in 1975.
During his tenure, Kenya and Belgium strengthened diplomatic and economic ties, culminating in President William Ruto’s visit to Brussels for bilateral engagements with King Philippe ofBelgium.
Maddens will now return to Brussels to serve as Director of the Africa Department.
The ambassadors’ departure comes during a symbolic year in Kenya-EU relations as both sides commemorate 50 years of diplomatic partnership since the establishment of the EU Delegation in Nairobi in 1976.
Over the past five decades, the relationship has evolved from traditional development cooperation into a broad strategic partnership covering trade, investment, climate action, education, governance, innovation, and regional security.
The implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement is expected to usher in a new phase of economic cooperation by enhancing duty-free access for Kenyan products into the European market while promoting sustainable investment and industrial growth.
As the outgoing ambassadors conclude their assignments, Kenyan officials expressed confidence that the strong diplomatic foundations laid over the years will continue to support closer cooperation between Kenya, individual EU member states, and the European Union in the years ahead.
