- Event: Official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Date: Sunday, 27th September 2026
- Venue: Safari Park Hotel & Casino, Nairobi
- Signatories: Ms. Angela Mukiri (President & Executive Director, KAKC) and Mr. Young Moon Choi (Chairman, Korean Community Association in Kenya)
- Witnesses: Mr. Chang Hon Jung (Secretary, Korean Community Association in Kenya) and Mr. James Masika (Secretary, KAKC)
Background
In a milestone step toward deepening cultural bonds, technological exchange and sustainable community development, the KOICA Alumni Kenya Chapter (KAKC) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korean Community Association in Kenya during the 2026 Chuseok celebrations.
The ceremony was held in the presence of over 570 members of the Korean community living in Kenya, alongside distinguished diplomatic leadership, including H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, and Mr. Wankyu Park, KOICA Kenya Country Director. Their presence highlighted strong diplomatic and institutional support for people-to-people engagement between Kenya and the Republic of Korea.
While government-to-government cooperation remains a vital pillar of bilateral relations, this partnership builds a direct bridge between Kenyan professionals who have trained in Korea and the vibrant Korean community residing in Kenya.
Key remarks
Speaking on behalf of the Korean community in Kenya, Mr. Young Moon Choi, Chairman of the Korean Community Association in Kenya, welcomed the formal alliance:
“The Korean community in Kenya considers this nation home, and we are deeply invested in its growth and unity. Partnering with the KOICA Alumni Kenya Chapter — a network of dedicated, highly skilled professionals across the public and private sectors — allows us to move beyond individual friendship into structured, high-impact collaboration. Through this MoU, we look forward to promoting true cultural integration, sharing innovation, and jointly giving back to local communities through impactful social programmes.”
In response, KAKC President Ms. Angela Mukiri noted that the partnership serves as an active operational bridge as KAKC prepares to execute its 2027–2031 Strategic Plan. By combining the public-sector networks and technical expertise of KOICA alumni with the entrepreneurial energy and resources of the Korean business and diaspora community, the alliance opens new opportunities for youth, local innovators and socio-economic transformation.
Three pillars of collaboration
Anchored in KAKC’s “Bridging Horizons” vision, the agreement sets out three pillars of joint action:
- Cultural and interpersonal exchange — jointly hosting cultural festivals, networking forums and bilateral events that foster social harmony, mutual appreciation and lasting community bonds.
- Technology transfer and innovation — knowledge-sharing platforms on artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and public-sector innovation, drawing on Korea’s technological advances.
- Joint community development and CSR — collaborative social responsibility projects, youth empowerment programmes and mentorship schemes that uplift communities across Kenya.
Signing and witnessing
The MoU was signed by Ms. Angela Mukiri (President & Executive Director, KAKC) and Mr. Young Moon Choi (Chairman, Korean Community Association in Kenya), and witnessed by:
- Mr. Chang Hon Jung — Secretary, Korean Community Association in Kenya
- Mr. James Masika — Secretary, KOICA Alumni Kenya Chapter (KAKC)
Looking ahead
This landmark MoU reinforces KAKC’s commitment to turning international training and bilateral goodwill into practical, long-term impact. Together, KAKC and the Korean Community Association in Kenya stand ready to build a vibrant ecosystem where cross-cultural unity and economic cooperation thrive.
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