Nairobi: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised Kenya's robust commitment to addressing poverty and affordable housing, describing it as a model of 'remarkable leadership'.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar drew parallels to Malaysia's own strategies in combating poverty, emphasizing his passion for poverty alleviation and housing for the underprivileged. Speaking at a state banquet hosted by Kenya's President William Samoei Ruto, Anwar highlighted Kenya's ambitious plan to construct over 150,000 housing units for low-income communities as an exemplary leadership model.

During his two-day official visit, Anwar expressed admiration for Kenya's focus on utilizing power and governance to uplift the impoverished, aligning with the ideals of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president and a pivotal figure in the nation's independence movement. Anwar reiterated the potential for Malaysia and Kenya to enhance their bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

He stated that Malaysia is keen to share its expertise in the semiconductor and electrical and electronics sectors while learning from Kenya's rapid development. Discussions on trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation are set to continue during the leaders' bilateral meeting.

Accompanying Anwar on the visit are Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, senior government officials, and a business delegation.

Kenya, strategically bordered by South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Lake Victoria, and Uganda, emerged in 2024 as Malaysia's third-largest trading partner in Africa. The total trade between the two nations reached RM5.7 billion, marking a 1.2 per cent increase from the previous year.

Anwar is set to depart Nairobi for Malaysia later today, concluding his three-nation tour of Africa.