By Grace Gilo
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Musalia Mudavadi today opened the 7th Session of the Kenya–Iran Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Nairobi, reaffirming the nations’ long-standing friendship and calling for a pragmatic, results-driven agenda that delivers tangible benefits.
The current session adopts a structured approach focused on three strategic clusters: Food Systems, Green Technologies, and Skills and Mobility.
These areas encompass trade, agriculture, climate-smart practices, renewable energy, manufacturing infrastructure, education, vocational training, and customs cooperation.
“A key outcome was the move toward resuming Kenyan tea exports to Iran, previously a major importer with volumes rising from 3.2 million tons in 2020 to 13 million tons in 2024,” read the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Joint Technical Committee will be established to address the export ban within the next 60 days, a move that could benefit approximately 40,000 Kenyan farmers.
On the sidelines, a Kenya–Iran Business Forum a Kenya–Iran Business Forum was held, connecting entrepreneurs and investors from both countries.
During the forum, Iranian firms were encouraged to utilize Kenya as a gateway to the East African market, while Kenyan businesses were invited to explore opportunities within Iran.
Both countries pledged closer investment cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, creative industries, food processing, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
PCS Mudavadi emphasized the importance of converting dialogue into actionable results, advocating for realistic timelines, practical solutions, and quarterly reviews by a joint secretariat
“This gathering represents more than ceremony, it is an opportunity to demonstrate progress through action and ongoing partnership,” he stated.