Kenya, Malaysia Deepen Diplomatic and Trade Ties During Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s State Visit
The removal of tariffs will create new markets and improve Kenya’s agricultural competitiveness in Asia.
The President also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's pledge to support Kenya's youth through technology training programs in Malaysian institutions.Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The countries of Kenya and Malaysia have taken giant strides to boost their six-decade-old diplomatic relations with the State Visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Nairobi. President William Ruto announced that the two nations utilized the visit to advance cooperation in key sectors, marking an important milestone in their bilateral relations.
The Presidency said the visit witnessed the signing of a number of agreements to expand economic, cultural, and developmental cooperation between the two countries. Among the major agreements signed was a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, expected to enhance air connectivity, reduce traveling time, and increase commercial exchanges between the two countries.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism promotion that was aimed at boosting the number of visitors between the two countries, attracting investments in the sector, and deepening cultural exchange.
Additionally, KNCCI signed a trade promotion agreement with Malaysia’s National Chamber of Commerce to spur trade flows and advance private-sector partnerships. Another important outcome was a Letter of Intent between the cities of Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur, establishing cooperation in areas of mutual interest that include urban development, innovation, and city governance.
President William Ruto welcomed Malaysia’s government commitment to zero-rating tariffs on agricultural produce and beef from Kenya, terming such a move a key breakthrough for Kenyan exporters into the Asian market. The removal of tariffs will create new markets and improve Kenya’s agricultural competitiveness in Asia.
The President also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s pledge to support Kenya’s youth through technology training programs in Malaysian institutions. He noted that the skills transfer and educational opportunities offered would enrich Kenya’s human capital and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
Ruto praised Malaysia’s impressive economic evolution—from an agricultural economy to a modern industrial powerhouse—and said the country’s development journey offers valuable insights for Kenya as it seeks to advance its own manufacturing and industrialisation agenda.
The President said the State Visit reaffirmed the strong potential that exists when nations collaborate on shared interests. He underlined that Kenya and Malaysia’s renewed partnership showcases the power of cooperation, expertise exchange, and mutual trust in unlocking prosperity for citizens from both countries. The President said the agreements reached mark a new chapter in Kenya–Malaysia relations and set the stage for deeper collaboration in the years to come.
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