Rtd. Lieutenant General Peter K. Lavahun
Rtd. Lieutenant General Peter K. Lavahun, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner-Designate to the Republic of Kenya, has officially arrived in Nairobi to assume his new diplomatic role. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Fatmata Bintu Lavahun, Lavahun becomes the third Sierra Leonean High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations and ties between the two nations.
In his brief remarks, Lavahun extolled and expressed profound gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for entrusting him with this significant and enviable diplomatic responsibility. He pledged to foster a collaborative ecosystem within the High Commission and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s foreign policy objectives. His focus will extend beyond bilateral relations with Kenya to include strengthening ties with other nations accredited to the Nairobi Mission.
Lavahun brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished military career. Recruited into the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in 1988, he was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1991. Rising through the ranks, he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Bio in August 2022. His military background equips him with strategic insights that he plans to leverage in promoting economic diplomacy and sustainable development for Sierra Leone.
Upon arrival, Lavahun and his wife were heartily received and warmly welcomed to Nairobi by Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo, Chargé d’Affaires and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya; Mr. Henry Nyandemoh, Head of Chancery; and other diplomatic staff. Their reception underscores the importance of this appointment in strengthening Sierra Leone’s presence in East Africa.
The relationship between Kenya and Sierra Leone has evolved over decades, shaped by shared experience and mutual support. Kenya previously contributed troops to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) during the country’s civil war and provided medical assistance during the Ebola epidemic. However, trade between the two nations remains minimal, with opportunities for growth in sectors such as agriculture, health, and technology.
As Lavahun embarks on his tenure, his leadership is expected to further deepen these ties while exploring new avenues for collaboration that benefit both nations.He remains resolutely courageous and intrepid in effectively discharging or acting in his new role.
