Israel’s 78th Anniversary Event in Nairobi Celebrates Long-Standing Partnership
When Kenya gained independence in December 1963, Israel was among the first countries to formally recognize the new nation, at a time when Golda Meir was serving as Israel’s Foreign Minister. That early gesture of diplomacy helped set the tone for a relationship that has quietly endured for more than six decades – growing from early post-independence contact into a warm and expanding partnership now increasingly defined by trade, innovation, and shared approaches to development challenges.
That spirit was on full display on the evening of Thursday, 2nd July, as the Israeli embassy in Kenya marked the 78th anniversary of the State of Israel with a reception held in Nairobi. Hosted by the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Gideon Behar and his wife, Eke Behar, the evening brought together Kenyan officials, diplomats, business leaders and friends of Israel, among them several representatives of the Christian evangelical community.
Officially representing the Kenyan government was Ambassador Josphat Maikara – the Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs. Also in attendance were senior Kenyan officials including Senator Veronica Maina and former Senator Johnston Muthama.
In his well-received speech, Ambassador Behar traced Israel’s growth from a young state at its founding in 1948 to a globally recognised hub of innovation and enterprise. He noted that Israel continues to attract significant international investment, with billions of dollars flowing into its technology and industrial sectors even amid regional challenges. Yet, central to the ambassador’s address was the conviction that innovation and progress carry responsibility. Israeli innovation, he noted, has not remained confined within its borders. Rather, it has travelled, scaled, and served many countries seeking to solve development challenges, including Kenya.
Indeed, advances in water technology, agricultural systems, climate resilience and medical care developed in Israel have increasingly been shared beyond its borders. This perhaps reflects the country’s long-standing belief that innovation delivers its greatest value when it improves lives elsewhere.
This principle has, to date, shaped cooperation with Kenya and other African countries. Through ongoing exchange programmes under the MASHAV, for instance, young Kenyan professionals continue to travel to Israel for specialised training. Fittingly, in the same week as the anniversary celebrations, ten Kenyan participants were due to return home, bringing with them new skills, fresh perspectives and valuable professional experience.
Kenya’s response reflected the same spirit of partnership and continuity.
Ambassador Josphat Maikara, speaking on behalf of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, conveyed Kenya’s congratulations to Israel on its 78th anniversary.
Ambassador Maikara praised Israel’s contributions to global innovation, particularly in water management, healthcare and medical technology. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, which have been formally in place for decades, and have continued to expand into defence, security cooperation, science and human capital development.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Maikara said both countries are seeking to broaden the relationship further, particularly as regards trade and investment. Kenya, he emphasised, sees itself as a gateway to Africa and continues to improve its business environment while prioritising stability and security for investors.
He extended an invitation to Israeli businesses to consider Kenya as a destination for growth, before raising a toast to the continued prosperity of both nations.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came as Ambassador Behar alternated between English and Kiswahili, opening and closing his speech in Kenya’s national language. The gesture drew warm applause and underscored a message he delivered with emphasis: “Kenya ni familia” – Kenya is family – reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect and long-standing cooperation.
