Embassy of the Republic of Kenya 🇰🇪

Location: Hoenamu Ro 44-gil Yongsan-gu
Written by Joseph Lim

On March 26th, I had the honor of visiting the Embassy of Kenya. I was simultaneously nervous and excited for my meeting because not only was it my first visit, but I had to go alone.
Adjacent to the Hyatt hotel, the Embassy of Kenya has a smooth and seamless gray marble design. As I walked in, the smell of fresh concrete, along with the view of warm smiles welcomed me into the consulate.

John Naitutai, second secretary of the Kenyan embassy, had a lot to share regarding the unique relationship Kenya has with Korea. Kenya is located in east Africa and is home to rich and extensive cultures and dialects, the most prominent and unifying language being English. However, in terms of cultural exchanges between Kenya and Korea, South Korea established Taekwondo dojos and a Sejong institute in Kenya. Konza Technopolis, a smart city that will have state of the art education, residents, and technology, is also a key flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio that is being built with Korean government assistance. Korea most notably has been contributing valuable technology exchanges. Mr. Naitutai mentioned that these types of exchanges are what he and the entire consulate is advocating and wishing for.

Mr. Naitutai grew up in rural Kenya and recalls having a heartwarming and lively childhood full of learning, laughter, and love. I also have experience living in rural areas, so we shared that commonality, leading to a long discussion about our hometowns. Mr. Naitutai has been the second secretary for the Kenyan embassy here in Korea for around 3 years and before, he was the Minister of Affairs for Kenya.

Mr. Naitutai advises us to shun negative influences and to always focus on our goals, allowing us to be true to ourselves. We thank Mr. Naitutai and the Embassy of Kenya for their time, and we hope to see them again soon!