Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Kenya William Ruto took part in the Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Forum. The Head of State highlighted the opportunities of Kazakhstan and put forward proposals to expand the partnership. Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, as confirmed by GDP growth dynamics of 6.5%. In addition, the country has developed an institutional framework to ensure the protection of investors’ rights and interests – a solid foundation laid in the new Constitution. The establishment of the Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Council, the organization of regular trade missions, and the exchange of experience are concrete steps that can strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries.
«To appoint an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Kenya to serve as a focal point on business issues for strengthening practical engagement between our entrepreneurs. To establish a group of experts to figure out potential and promising ways of upgrading transport and logistic connectivity. I’m confident that these measures will lay a solid foundation for the establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on the ministerial level with no delay,» President Tokayev noted.
Expanding mutually beneficial cooperation will be driven primarily by the transit and transport sector. Today, Kazakhstan is a key Eurasian transit hub. 85% of all overland transit shipments between China and Europe pass through the country’s territory. In turn, Kenya serves as a key logistics gateway to East Africa, providing access to a market of 300 million people. Linking the Middle Corridor with the ports of Mombasa and Lamu will make it possible to increase trade turnover. Agriculture is also a priority. Kazakhstan can expand its grain exports, while Kenya can increase supplies of tea, coffee, and flowers. According to the President, another important area of bilateral cooperation is the mining industry and geological exploration.
«We believe there is significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of geology, exploration, mining, and processing. Kazakhstan stands ready to share its expertise and experience in these fields. We particularly welcome the signing of the agreement between Samruk-Kazyna and NAMICO on the implementation of investment projects in Kenya, including the identification, assessment, and advancement of initiatives in the fields of subsoil use and geological exploration,» President Tokayev added.
The parties outlined prospects for cooperation in digitalization, artificial
intelligence, and space technologies. They also agreed to strengthen
cooperation between the financial centres of Astana and Nairobi. In turn, William
Ruto expressed confidence that Kazakhstan and Kenya could jointly create a new
economic bridge between Central Asia and Africa.
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