Nairobi: Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has met with UAE Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Salim Ibrahim Alnaqbi at the UAE Embassy in Nairobi to enhance agricultural and trade cooperation between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Kenya News Agency, the discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations and bolstering recent agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment. For instance, in January 2025, Kenya and the UAE signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which eliminated trade barriers and opened new markets for Kenyan exports, including meat, fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Additionally, a 2023 trade agreement with Dubai expanded investment opportunities, allowing Kenya to diversify its exports while increasing imports of electronics, machinery, and vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai International Chamber further supports business partnerships through trade missions and investment forums.
The meeting reaffirmed both nations' commitment to translating these agreements into tangible benefits, fostering economic growth, and advancing Kenya's agricultural sector on the global stage. With the UAE being a key market for Kenyan tea, coffee, fresh produce, and livestock products, this collaboration aims to boost exports and unlock new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
Under the CEPA project, the government aims to increase trade between the two countries, particularly in Kenyan exports like agricultural products (meat, avocados, and flowers) to the UAE market while the investment attraction agreement is to attract significant UAE investment into Kenya, potentially in infrastructure and technology sectors.
Regionally, Kenya is seen as a strategic entry point to the African continent due to its geographical position, allowing UAE businesses easier access to a larger market. On digital economy, focus will be through the collaboration that includes aspects of technological cooperation and digital trade, aligning with Kenya's efforts to foster a thriving startup ecosystem.