Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, officially inaugurated the Gates Foundation’s sub-regional office in Nairobi, emphasizing the importance of the foundation’s work and the role of diplomatic privileges in facilitating impactful programs.
Mudavadi stressed that diplomatic privileges are “tools, not trophies,” designed to enable organizations like the Gates Foundation to operate efficiently and deliver aid and innovation where needed most. He highlighted the foundation’s significant contributions to Kenya’s development in health, agriculture, gender equality, and investment.
“The presence of the Gates Foundation in Kenya is widely felt across the country,” Mudavadi stated, acknowledging their role in achieving major milestones in national development priorities.
The Prime CS clarified that the foundation has met all legal requirements, and the Cabinet has approved its Host Country Agreement, including the associated privileges. He underscored that these privileges are not a “blank cheque” but a carefully calibrated mechanism to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and ensure impactful program delivery.
Principal Secretary of State Department for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, supported Mudavadi’s stance, reiterating the government’s commitment to diligently assessing organizations’ privileges and immunities in line with established statutes.
As Mudavadi outlines, these privileges include the foundation’s legal capacity to enter into contracts, engage in legal proceedings, and acquire and manage property following Kenyan law.
This move signifies the government’s recognition of the Gates Foundation’s crucial role in supporting Kenya’s development agenda and its commitment to facilitating a smooth and impactful operation for the foundation in the country.
