Kazakhstan and Kenya are set to expand their trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. President William Ruto arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit. Today in Astana, the leaders of the two countries held talks in both narrow and expanded formats. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kenya is an important partner for Kazakhstan in Africa. In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Kazakhstan has opened its embassy — the sixth on the continent. The visit is intended to give new momentum to cooperation. For his part, the President of Kenya emphasized that he views Kazakhstan as an important logistics hub — a key gateway to Central Asia and the Eurasian region. A Business Council is expected to support growth in trade volumes and the implementation of specific projects. President Tokayev announced the initiative to establish it.
«Kazakhstan stands at the heart of Eurasia, while Kenya is a leading hub of East Africa. This gives our partnership a significance that goes beyond bilateral relations. Together, Kazakhstan and Kenya can build a stronger bridge between Central Asia and Africa, linking markets, transport routes, investment flows. We have just discussed main prospects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on our engagement on the international stage. Our countries adhere to a peaceful and active foreign policy, advocating a multilateral order,» Tokayev said.
Kazakhstan and Kenya established diplomatic relations in 1993. According to the President of Kenya, the starting point for further strengthening these ties was a meeting with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in 2023. William Ruto noted the cooperation could be further expanded through the Kenyan ports of Mombasa and Lamu. These ports could serve as entry points for Kazakhstan to access regional markets.
«Your decision, Mr. President, to have a resident ambassador in Nairobi underscores the importance you and your government attaches to the relationship between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Nairobi in Kenya. I want to assure you that my visit here is deliberate and intentional to elevate the relationship between our two countries,» Ruto said.
Kazakhstan is interested in exporting agricultural
products, primarily grain, to African markets, President Tokayev said during a
media briefing. In addition, there are significant prospects for cooperation
between the two countries in mining and green energy. Kenya has also expressed
interest in Kazakhstan’s experience in e-government, IT, and the space sector.
The parties also discussed the possibility of launching direct air services
between the two countries. Following the talks, the Presidents adopted a Joint
Statement. Ten interdepartmental agreements and memorandums were also signed.
President Tokayev awarded William Ruto the Order of Dostyk, First Class, for
his contribution to strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kenya.
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