Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for closer economic ties between Kenya and Ethiopia. He was the chief guest at the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

Addressing thousands of Kenyans on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Abiy reaffirmed the long friendship between the two neighbours. He called for deeper cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and cultural exchange.

"History made us brothers, our choices must make us partners in shared prosperity," Abiy said, as reported by KBC.

Trade across the border

The Prime Minister said farmers and producers in both countries should be able to sell to each other more easily. "Our farmers and producers must be able to trade more easily across our borders," he said.

He also called for more travel and cultural exchange between Kenyans and Ethiopians to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Safaricom and M-Pesa

Abiy pointed to Kenyan business in Ethiopia as an example of growing ties. "Today, Safaricom connects millions of Ethiopians, and MPesa helps people send money and make payments," he said. Safaricom Ethiopia entered the market in 2022 as the country's first private telecommunications operator.

Tribute to heroes

Abiy paid tribute to the men and women who fought for Kenya's freedom and said today's leaders should draw inspiration from them.

"Freedom is a trust. We pass it to the next generation, and we must turn it into opportunity for every citizen," he said. He thanked Kenyans for their hospitality: "Here in Kenya, we feel at home. We are among friends and family."

Long-standing partners

Kenya and Ethiopia have had a defence pact since the 1960s and cooperate on regional security, the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor and electricity trade through a high-voltage transmission line. During the ceremony, President William Ruto presented Abiy with a signed copy of The Price of Freedom, the new biography of freedom fighter Achieng' Oneko.

Photo: KBC