By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, and Kenyan CS for foreign and diaspora affairs Dr. Musalia Mudavadi have signed a l Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Kenya and the UAE.
According to the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Mr. Mudavadi, the agreement opens new horizons for Kenyan exports, granting duty-free access for key products like meat, horticulture (fruits, vegetables, and flowers), tea, coffee, and more.
The CS for foreign and diaspora affairs noted that as the first country in mainland Africa to secure such a partnership, Kenya has strengthened its position as a vital trade and investment hub for East and Southern Africa.
“The historic signing, held in Abu Dhabi under the leadership of President William Ruto and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marks a bold step toward deepening economic ties and unlocking mutual prosperity,” Hon. Mudavadi on X.
President William Ruto also noted that the signing of the historic Kenya-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will deepen trade ties between the two nations by simplifying trade procedures, promoting industrialisation and stimulating investment.
“It is expected to more than triple Kenya’s exports of meat products, fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, tea and coffee once implemented,” President Ruto said.
“The CEPA will also provide the UAE with investment opportunities in the energy, water, agriculture, health, airports, logistics, and ICT sectors,” he added.
He emphasized that the agreement aligns with the government’s policy of reducing borrowing while enhancing foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships.
Inside Ruto’s trip to UAE, Kenya has also explored a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.