Kenya, Romania sign deal to open cultural centre in Bucharest

onyangoclara6@gmail.com 

Kenya and Romania have signed a partnership to establish a cultural centre in Bucharest that will empower women and youth by opening access to European markets.

The agreement was signed between MaMa Doing Good—the organisation implementing First Lady Rachel Ruto’s programmes on women and youth empowerment—and Romania’s Contemporary Cultural Identity Association (AICC).

The centre will promote fair trade, cultural exchange, and provide Kenyan artisans with a platform to showcase their creativity to the European Union market.

Speaking at the Romanian Embassy in Nairobi during the signing, MaMa Doing Good Chief Executive Officer Ms Elizabeth Koskei described the partnership as a milestone for vulnerable groups.

 “We are grateful that you considered us as MaMa Doing Good. This is key to us, and it is something of importance,” Ms Koskei said.

She noted that the First Lady remains passionate about improving the lives of women and children through sustainable livelihoods.

“The child in the village who lacks the basics—by making their lives better, not just by giving them food but by establishing livelihoods and providing income—that is what transformation means,” she added.

Ms Koskei linked the initiative to Kenya’s bottom-up economic agenda, saying women are at the heart of community transformation.

Romania’s Ambassador to Kenya Ms Gentiana Serbu, who facilitated the partnership, said the centre will strengthen cultural and trade ties.

“The establishment of the centre is an important aspect which will also open doors to the European Union, which we are a part of,” Ms Serbu said.

She added that Romania is keen to expand cooperation with Kenya in other areas including agriculture and education.

Ms Koskei also thanked the Romanian Embassy for fast-tracking the agreement.

“We are open to ideas, and we do not compete with the government. We only complement, and that is why we have government officials here with us,” she said.

The agreement was signed by Ms Koskei and Mr Florin Florine Parlea, Chairman and Director of AICC. 

Also present were Mr Kiptoo Lagat, Director of Culture at the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, and Ms Elizabeth Yegon, Assistant Director at the State Department of Agriculture.

The partnership is expected to empower Kenyan artisans through fair trade, boost intercultural exchange, and showcase Kenyan talent in Europe.