Addis Ababa, October 20, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has praised the close ties between Ethiopia and Kenya, emphasizing the importance of translating their longstanding friendship and shared history into stronger economic cooperation, regional connectivity and shared prosperity.
Addressing Kenya’s 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Tuesday, Abiy underscored the deep historical bonds between the two neighbouring countries and called for sustained cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to their peoples.
“History made us brothers, our choices must make us partners in shared prosperity,” he said, linking the two countries’ historical solidarity to the opportunities for closer partnership in the years ahead.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the Kenyan heroes who fought for freedom and those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard their country, drawing parallels with Ethiopia’s own history of resistance and national unity, particularly the victory of Adwa, which remains a defining symbol of African independence and sovereignty.
“ African freedom was not given; it was won by people who would not give up their dignity,” Abiy said, underscoring the sacrifices that secured freedom and the responsibility of succeeding generations to preserve its gains.
He emphasized that the legacy of the freedom fighters should be carried forward by building countries that expand opportunities for their citizens, particularly young people.
“Freedom is a trust. We pass it to the next generation, and we must turn it into opportunity for every citizen,” he said.
Turning to the contemporary relationship between Ethiopia and Kenya, Abiy highlighted cooperation in energy, transport connectivity, telecommunications and trade as practical expressions of the partnership between the two countries.
He cited cross-border electricity supply as a key example of cooperation delivering direct economic benefits. Ethiopia has supplied electricity to Kenya since 2022, supporting access to clean energy while demonstrating the potential of shared infrastructure to strengthen regional economic integration.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the road connection between Mombasa and Hawassa as an important link between the two economies, stressing the value of connectivity in facilitating trade and bringing markets closer together.
He emphasized the role of private-sector engagement in deepening bilateral relations, noting that businesses can expand commercial exchanges and create new opportunities for people in both countries.
“Today, Safaricom connects millions of Ethiopians, and M-Pesa helps people send money and make payments,” he said, citing telecommunications and digital financial services as examples of the expanding economic links between the two countries.
Abiy also stressed the importance of making cross-border trade easier for farmers and producers, whose access to wider markets can help strengthen commercial ties and generate shared economic benefits.
“Our farmers and producers must be able to trade more easily across our borders,” he said, while encouraging people in both countries to visit one another, discover each other’s cultures and learn together.
The Prime Minister further invoked the longstanding athletics rivalry between Ethiopia and Kenya, presenting the sporting achievements of both countries as a source of pride and an illustration of Africa’s wider potential.
“Our athletes have run side by side. Sometimes Kenya wins, sometimes Ethiopia. Together, they show the world what Africa can achieve,” he said.
He summarized the relationship between competition and cooperation by stating: “We race as rivals, we build as partners.”
The address placed the Ethiopia-Kenya partnership within a broader vision of African cooperation, in which historical bonds are reinforced through economic links, shared infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges. Abiy’s remarks underscored the importance of turning the countries’ close relations into practical gains for citizens and stronger connections between their economies.
He also expressed appreciation for the welcome extended to him and the Ethiopian delegation in Eldoret, thanking Kenyan President William Ruto and the people of Kenya for their hospitality.
Mashujaa Day is a national holiday in Kenya that honours individuals who contributed to the country’s struggle for freedom, sovereignty and development. The 2026 celebrations brought together national leaders and invited guests to commemorate the legacy of those who shaped the country’s history.