Kenya working on balanced trading with Mozambique – Ruto

The government has committed to increasing trade volumes with Mozambique to help create a favourable trade balance for Kenya.

President William Ruto who is in Mozambique on a two-day State Visit said the two countries are exploring opportunities that will guarantee a win-win outcome.

Ruto said the current trade relations are in favour of Mozambique as it's selling more to Kenya than Kenya is exporting products to the country.

"In this burgeoning win-win relationship, Mozambique has the upper hand in trade balance terms, yet the opportunities before us take the form of a tide that will lift both our boats,” he said.

Over the five-year period between 2018 and 2022, Ruto explained, Kenya increased her imports from Mozambique from Sh3.2 billion to Sh5.2 billion, while Mozambique imports from Kenya increased from Sh1.2 billion to Sh1.4 billion only over the same period.

He made the remarks on Thursday in Maputo when he was hosted by President Filipe Nyusi.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of eight MoUs aimed at strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The cooperation agreements include Mutual Legal Assistance, Diplomatic Training, Public Service Training, Investment Promotion, Blue Economy and the Mutual recognition of driving licences.

President Ruto committed to the full and speedy implementation of the agreements for the benefit of the people of the two nations.

"I am of the view that it is imperative for us to take advantage of the momentum generated in these engagements to expeditiously implement all the bilateral instruments that have been signed,” he said.

Ruto later visited Maputo Municipal Hall and addressed members and other government officials.

He was presented with Keys to the City of Maputo, the Highest distinction given to an individual.

The Head of State and First Lady Rachel Ruto also laid wreaths at Heroe’s Square.

The President noted that Maputo and Kenyan coastal towns have a lot in common, citing opportunities in tourism, fisheries and the blue economy, maritime transport, agriculture, manufacturing, trade and industry.

Besides the First Lady, other leaders present were Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Foreign Affairs), Aden Duale (Defence) and Attorney General Justin Muturi among others.