Kenyan envoy to Botswana presents credentials to president Masisi

Newly appointed Kenyan ambassador to Botswana Sabdiyo Dido Bashuna on Thursday presented credentials to Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

She will succeed Mohamed Shidiye, a former MP for Lagdera who has served in Gaborone as Nairobi's top diplomat since 2018.

"It was an honour to appear before His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi to present letters of credence. Botswana and Kenya enjoy strong historical ties, and the embassy will work to reinforce the relationship for the mutual benefit of our two nations," the newly appointed envoy shared the news on her official X handle.

During the brief ceremony, President Masisi said Botswana was looking forward to not only increasing but improving trade with Kenya.

He noted Botswana wants to engage Kenya very strongly on the issue of Ivory, adding that such natural treasures are of great value and must be utilized.

"Botswana and Kenya have shared High-level exchange visits, which have gone a long way in strengthening and reinforcing the partnership of the two nations," posted President Masisi on X.

Sabdiyo, before her posting to Botswana worked as the Head of Gender and Inclusiveness at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an institution focused on scaling agricultural innovations that help smallholder farmers towards increased incomes, better livelihoods and improved food security.

Botswana maintains a high commission in Nairobi.

Recently, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited the Southern African country last year and encouraged Kenyans living in the country to invest back home with an eye on retirement.

In 2016, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta undertook a state visit to Botswana, while his Botswanan counterpart, Mokgweetsi Masisi, reciprocated with a visit in 2019.