“Together we are fast-tracking Kenya’s capacity to initiate local fill-and-finish processing for life-saving vaccines,” Duale said.

Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, toast a glass, enduring friendship and partnership between Indonesia and Kenya during the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day at the Ambassador's residence in Nairobi on October 26, 2026.

Kenya and Indonesia are seeking to deepen economic cooperation, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$691 million in 2025, as the two countries explore new opportunities in healthcare, investment, manufacturing and education.

The commitment was highlighted during Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary Diplomatic Reception at the residence of Indonesia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Witjaksono Adji, in Nairobi.

The event was attended by more than 300 guests, including the Guest of Honour, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale (representing the Prime Cabinet Secretary/Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs), as well as high-ranking Kenyan officials, heads of international organisations based in Kenya, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, community figures, and strategic partners.

Speaking during the event, Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji said Kenya and Indonesia had steadily expanded their engagement since establishing diplomatic relations in 1979, with President Joko Widodo’s visit to Kenya in 2023 providing fresh momentum to the partnership.

The ambassador expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations, including through a future visit by Kenya’s President to Indonesia.

“Bilateral trade reached approximately US$691 million in 2025,” Adji said, identifying investment, industrial development, downstream processing, value addition, aviation, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and maritime affairs as areas with considerable potential for cooperation.

Healthcare emerged as a key area of collaboration, with the ambassador noting that six Indonesian companies participated in the World Health Expo in Nairobi earlier this year, showcasing pharmaceuticals, herbal and personal-care products, and medical equipment.

The participation demonstrated Indonesia’s interest in expanding commercial partnerships while contributing to stronger health systems.

During his speech, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale highlighted pharmaceutical cooperation as a key example of the growing partnership.

Duale said Kenya is working with Indonesia to strengthen local vaccine production and reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.

He cited collaboration between the Kenya BioVax Institute and Indonesia’s state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma, involving the transfer of advanced biomanufacturing technology to strengthen Kenya’s vaccine processing capacity.

He said the partnership would strengthen Kenya’s long-term health security and could benefit the wider East African region.

Adji also invited Kenyan businesses to participate in the Indonesia Nairobi Expo (IndoNEX), set for November 26–27, saying the event would provide a platform for businesses from both countries to explore opportunities and establish lasting partnerships.

Education and cultural exchange featured prominently in the ambassador’s remarks, with Kenya becoming the second-largest recipient of the Indonesia Aid Scholarship among 16 participating countries, with 40 Kenyan students.

Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji, together with Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale joined by dignitaries led by United Nations Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Beyene Russom, ambassadors and high commissioners, ceremonial cutting of a tumpeng during the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day at the Ambassador's residence in Nairobi on October 26, 2026.

He said scholarship programmes, including the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship and Darmasiswa, continued to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Sports have also provided another avenue for cooperation, particularly through pencak silat, Indonesia’s traditional martial art, which has grown in Kenya since its national federation was established in 2021.

The sport now has 16 member associations, while Kenyan athletes won three silver and two bronze medals at last year’s World Championship in Abu Dhabi. The next championship is scheduled for Uzbekistan in December.

Among the dignitaries also present were CS Mining Hassan Ali Joho, Lamu Governor Issa Abdallah Timamy, United Nations Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Beyene Russom, Senator Hassan Omar Hassan, ambassadors and high commissioners, representatives of international organisations, business partners and members of the Indonesian community.

The reception also showcased Indonesia’s cultural heritage through traditional music from different parts of the archipelago and a special tribute performance of an original song titled Indonesia and Kenya, composed by a Minister Counsellor at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi.

Guests also witnessed a cappella renditions of both nations' national anthems, followed by a special tribute: an original song titled "Indonesia and Kenya," composed and performed by R. Wisnu Lombardwinantoa, Minister Counsellor at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, which was brought to life through a brilliant collaboration between an Indonesian choir and a demonstration by Kenya’s pencak silat team, which showcased techniques from the traditional martial art.

A ceremonial cutting of tumpeng, a cone-shaped mound of yellow rice, formed another highlight of the event. It is an Indonesian tradition observed during significant occasions as an expression of gratitude and a prayer for blessings from God Almighty.

Endang Septryani Sari, First Secretary for Information and Socio-Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, said the cultural presentations had helped introduce Indonesia’s diversity to international audiences.

“Each step, story, and work presented has sparked interest among the global community to explore the beauty and diversity of Indonesia,” she said.

The reception was organised in close collaboration with Indonesian companies operating in Kenya, including Indomie Kenya (Salim Wazaran), which showcased various popular Indomie product lines, and "Tempeh-Nairobi," a brand produced by Ms Setyowati, an Indonesian diaspora member who has long resided in Nairobi.

The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi also invited chefs Tius Martadinata and Philip Budihardja from Indonesia, who were supported by Catur Yuliantoro, the chef at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence.

The reception provided an opportunity for Kenya and Indonesia to reaffirm their longstanding diplomatic relations and create opportunities for businesses, inspire the younger generation, deepen cultural understanding, and improve the well-being of both Indonesian and Kenyan communities.