Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said that the government of Kenya is keen on further strengthening trade and investment ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Speaking during the 53rd national day celebrations of the UAE held in Nairobi, Mudavadi said Kenya is committed to advancing this partnership with the UAE towards a future defined by shared goals and deeper cooperation for the prosperity of the people of the two countries.
He noted that at least 30,000 Kenyans are currently living and working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Kenyan diaspora continues to grow, owing to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018 between the two countries.
"These Kenyans make a significant contribution to our country’s development through diaspora remittances and knowledge transfer, while also bridging the demand for labour in the UAE and Middle East," said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said bilateral relations between the two countries are underpinned by strong trade and investment cooperation.
The UAE, he said, is ranked sixth among Kenya’s trading partners, a testament to the growing trade ties between the two nations.
"The value of trade between the two countries increased from Sh142.5 billion in 2013 to Sh460 billion in 2023," the Prime CS said.
“Kenya’s exports include tea, goat and sheep meat, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers, while imports include petroleum products, polymers and telecommunications equipment."
He affirmed that Kenya is committed to deepening this engagement by prioritizing the UAE as a key export market for Kenyan products.
Mudavadi lauded the ongoing negotiations for the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAEK-CEPA).
Once finalized, he said the agreement is expected to enhance trade, investment and economic activities, especially in priority sectors anchored on the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
"As we deepen these negotiations, we appreciate plans for the resumption of Etihad Airways flights later this year," he noted.
Mudavadi said that the UAE celebrations coincide with Kenya’s 60 years of diplomatic journey, noting that the two established diplomatic relations in June 1982.
"Since then, the relationship has blossomed into a vibrant and mutually beneficial political, economic and social partnership. Together, we have signed numerous agreements and cooperation frameworks that have fostered stronger economic and commercial ties, reinforcing our shared commitment to progress and development," he explained.
He also reiterated President William Ruto's steadfast advocation for a just-energy transition to address the pressing challenges of climate change.
"We commend the UAE’s leadership in this area, including hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi and its collaboration with Kenya during the launch of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi last year," the CS noted.
He said the UAE's commitment to sustainability aligns with Kenya’s ambitions to foster green investments, as reflected in the productive engagements during the recent investor roadshow in the UAE in October 2024, which included discussions with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
