Nairobi — Kenya and Iran have signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on Information, Communication, Technology, Fisheries, Livestock Production, Investment Promotion as part of the efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two countries.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President William Ruto and his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, who is on a state visit to the country.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of Iran as a crucial strategic partner for Kenya.
"These memoranda will enhance and further deepen our bilateral relations for sustainable growth and development between our two countries," he said.
During the meeting, President Ruto and President Raisi discussed the historical engagement and identified areas of cooperation between the two countries.
They explored opportunities in education, scholarships, infrastructure, healthcare, water management, fisheries, agriculture, and housing, among other sectors.
The leaders also engaged in constructive dialogue on ways to improve the balance of trade and capitalize on the unique advantages offered by their strategic locations.
He added that he expressed to President Raisi, Kenya's appreciation of the bilateral cooperation in the promotion of trade, particularly in the export of Kenyan products to Iran.
"More specifically, I sought the President's commitment in facilitating the export of more tea, meat and other agricultural products to Iran and, through Iran, to Central Asian countries," he said
President Ruto stated that stronger collaboration with Iran is crucial in delivering the Agriculture value chain of his administration's Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Ruto pointed out that trade volumes between Kenya and Iran have been on a steady upward trajectory.
He noted that Kenya exported tea worth Sh4 billion to Tehran in the first quarter of 2023, which is an eight-fold increase from sales for the same period last year.
"Kenya attaches great significance to the Iranian market since it is one of the most valued export destinations for our tea," he added.
President Ruto reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fostering and protecting all investments in the country, both domestic and foreign, through the fair, consistent and effective application of the rule of law.
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He added that Kenya remains open and committed to receiving and hosting Iranian investors and businesspeople and providing them with a conducive business atmosphere across the country.
Ruto stated that Raisi had informed him of Iran's intention to set up a motor vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa to manufacture an indigenous Iranian vehicle that has been given the Kiswahili name - 'Kifaru'.
He described the move as "good news for stakeholders in our mechanical and automotive sector, including dealers, engineers, technicians and other workers."
Ruto termed Raisi's visit as productive saying it has been an excellent opportunity for both countries to renew and reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the governments and peoples of Kenya and Iran.
"Once again, I thank His Excellency President Raisi for the tremendous honour for this visit and for the opportunity it has afforded us to undertake fruitful bilateral engagements,' he said.
After Kenya's visit President Raisi is expected to visit Uganda and Zimbabwe.
