Pakistan and Kenya Strengthen Agricultural Ties and Trade Cooperation

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, met with the High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan, H.E. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, to explore ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture and trade. The meeting focused on strengthening agricultural ties, expanding trade, and exploring opportunities for joint research and innovation. Pakistan and Kenya aim to diversify and expand trade, particularly in agriculture-based products, while also fostering people-to-people linkages and promoting defense cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

• The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kenya stands at around USD 1 billion, with Pakistan exporting rice, cotton, and seeds, and importing tea and other commodities from Kenya valued at approximately USD 350 million.
• Pakistan and Kenya agreed to enhance agricultural cooperation, with a focus on areas such as seed development, livestock, cotton production, and agri-mechanization.
• An MoU for agricultural and trade cooperation is anticipated to be discussed and potentially finalized during the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee meeting in Islamabad from September 11 to 18, 2025.
• Minister Hussain emphasized Pakistan's openness to diversifying its import basket from Kenya, with a particular interest in importing avocados, mangoes, flowers, and tea.
• The High Commissioner highlighted the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Kenya, with 2,000 to 3,000 individuals contributing in sectors such as hospitality, banking, and development initiatives.
• Minister Hussain welcomed the valuable role of the Pakistani diaspora and stressed the importance of people-to-people linkages in reinforcing bilateral ties.
• The meeting noted Kenya's collaborative relations with Pakistani institutions like the National Agriculture Foundation and the National Textile University in Faisalabad.

Statistics:

• Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kenya stands at around USD 1 billion.
• Pakistan exports rice, cotton, and seeds to Kenya worth approximately USD 1 billion, while importing tea and other commodities from Kenya valued at around USD 350 million.
• 2,000 to 3,000 Pakistani individuals reside in Kenya and contribute to the local economy in sectors such as hospitality, banking, and development initiatives.

Sources:

• Pakistan Petroleum News (PPI-PR) - July 15, 2025
• Kenyan High Commissioner's Office to Pakistan