Ruto said the elimination of the tariffs is a significant step that will open new market opportunities for Kenyan farmers and strengthen the commercial foundation of the partnership between the two nations.
“The removal of these tariffs is especially significant, given the structure of our current trade, where Kenya’s exports to Malaysia include tea, coffee, flowers, avocados, titanium ores and beef.
“Meanwhile, imports from Malaysia consist primarily of edible oils and parts, chemical products, electronics, agricultural chemicals and rubber,” he said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following a bilateral meeting at the state house here today.
Also in attendance were investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa as well as Kenyan cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Kenyan cabinet secretary for youth affairs, creative economy and sports Salim Mvurya.
The two countries have also agreed to explore partnerships and investments across priority areas, including collaboration in STEM, research and matters of education, as part of efforts to boost human capital development.
“Through a strategic partnership, Malaysia will support Kenya to grow and expand its semiconductor technology and manufacturing capabilities,” Ruto said.
He praised the development of Malaysia, which he pointed out was once a mainly agricultural country much like Kenya.
“But today, you stand out because you have diversified your economy and export manufactured goods to the US and to many other destinations. We are walking in the footsteps of Malaysia and we hope to catch up with you soon,” he said.
Ruto added that there would be opportunities for private-public partnership involving Malaysian firms as Kenya looks to expand its highways by another 2,500km and its roads by another 28,000km.
Anwar said Putrajaya hopes to elevate bilateral relations between Malaysia and Kenya to a strategic partnership that would encompass all areas, including traditional agricultural imports as well as new technologies.
“I have great belief that Kenya will be one of the stars in Africa. Therefore, on behalf of my colleagues and the people of Malaysia, I want to express my profound thanks to you and to assure you that we will execute this (collaboration),” he said.
Kenya is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in Africa in 2024. Total trade between January and August reached RM3.7 billion, showing a robust 22.3% increase year-on-year. Palm oil and palm oil-based products constitute 89.9% (RM3.67 billion) of the trade for the period.
Kenya has a population of about 58 million and recorded a gross domestic product of US$107.441 billion in 2024.
Anwar is on the final leg of his three-nation African tour. He previously paid an official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa, for a working visit and to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Exchange of documents
Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding for tourism, an air service agreement, an MoU involving Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and a letter of intent between the Nairobi City County and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Anwar also attended a high-level business forum involving representatives from Malaysian and Kenyan firms at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel here.