Kenya and Iran are taking significant steps to strengthen their bilateral ties through religious exchange programs and peace efforts. The two nations have signed 22 agreements to deepen their diplomatic relations across various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

This move has been in the works since Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Kenya in 2023. Since then, both nations have been working to strengthen their ties, with a focus on religious and cultural exchange as a means to promote peace and harmony.

According to Ali Gholampour, the Islamic Republic of Iran's ambassador to Kenya, the goal of the discourse and cultural exchange strategy is to tackle urgent geopolitical concerns. "Through that engagement, we could know each other better and understand better. Through that mutual understanding, we will be in a position to strengthen our bilateral relations," he stated.

The 22 agreements signed between Kenya and Iran cover a range of sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, scholarships, water, fisheries, and agriculture. This comprehensive approach is expected to have a significant impact on the economies of both nations.

In 2022, the value of trade between Kenya and Iran was approximately Sh9.3 billion. Kenya exported products to Iran worth Sh5.9 billion, while it imported products worth Sh3.4 billion, resulting in a trade balance that favored the East African country. The products Kenya sold to Iran were primarily tea, coffee, fruits, fish, and textiles, while the products it imported included chemicals, fuels, and plastics.

The focus on religious and cultural ties is seen as pivotal in closing the communication gap between both countries. It also underscores the importance of religion and community involvement in tackling current issues with peace and harmony. Gholampour cited the ongoing conflicts in Somalia, Sudan, and Gaza as a threat to improving ties between nations, pointing to the unstable conditions in areas like the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

He called the death toll and devastation in Palestine a violation of human rights and international law. "What these regions need most is peace, tolerance, and dialogue to address differences and peacefully resolve conflicts," said Gholampour, "Religions play a crucial role in guiding followers toward peaceful resolutions to conflicts and differences."

This development is significant not only for Kenya and Iran but also for the broader region. As both nations work to strengthen their ties, they are setting an example for other countries to follow. The focus on religious and cultural exchange as a means to promote peace and harmony is a welcome approach, particularly in a region marked by conflict and instability.

As Kenya and Iran continue to deepen their diplomatic ties, it will be important to monitor the progress of their agreements and the impact on their economies and regional relations. This development has the potential to be a game-changer for both nations, and its implications will be felt far beyond their borders.