Kenya and Australia have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic relationship, committing to strengthening cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, mining, and maritime security.
During a two-day visit to Kenya, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, paid a courtesy call to the Railways Headquarters Offices, where he was hosted by his Kenyan counterpart Musalia Mudavadi.
In a statement following their meeting, Mudavadi expressed appreciation for the “warm and friendly bilateral relations between Kenya and Australia built on areas of mutual interest dating back six decades.”
The two leaders held discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in several strategic areas, focusing particularly on trade and investment, agriculture, tourism, sports, environmental conservation, and labour exchange.
On mining, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration, with Kenya seeking to benefit from Australia’s vast experience and advanced mining sector.
“We affirmed our commitment to continue the partnership in mining where Kenya can significantly benefit from a robust mining sector in Australia,” Mudavadi stated.
Agriculture also featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries agreeing on the importance of joint efforts to improve seed quality and livestock management.
“We agreed on the need to work together on the improvement of seeds, livestock keeping, and particularly on ranching,” Mudavadi noted.
The meeting further emphasised the importance of strengthening mutual collaboration through bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
The Kenyan delegation called on Australian investors to consider Kenya as a preferred destination for investment, while also encouraging Australia to open its markets to Kenyan exports in order to balance trade between the two countries.
“I emphasised the importance of attracting more Australian investors to Kenya while encouraging them to open their markets for Kenyan imports to improve the balance of trade, which is currently in favour of Australia,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi also thanked the Australian government for offering opportunities to Kenyan students to study and work in Australia. He urged Australia to consider utilising Kenya’s skilled and youthful workforce to support its economic growth.
On maritime security, both nations acknowledged the need for cooperation to safeguard the Indian Ocean, which carries nearly a third of global container traffic.
“We jointly agreed on the need to work together to ensure safety of the Indian Ocean for the good of business people.”
The discussions also highlighted the potential of the blue economy, with a shared commitment to increase investment in marine resources and coastal development.
Concluding the meeting, Kenya expressed its intention to elevate its relationship with Australia to an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) level in the near future, signalling a stronger and more structured bilateral engagement.
