Kenya will exploit the strong ties it enjoys with Iran to expand trade. President William Ruto said trade volumes between the two countries are still low but with potential to grow.

He explained that Kenya and Iran will strike a formula that will facilitate higher exports of tea, coffee and meat. “This will bring about the much-desired trade balance that is in favour of Iran.” He made the remarks on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, after holding talks with President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi.

President Ruto observed that Kenya will also use the West Asian country’s wealth in technology and innovation for its development.

He pointed out that the setting up of the Iran House of Innovation and Technology in Nairobi will offer the right platform for Iranian and Kenyan businesses. “This is an innovative way of enabling enterprises to access Iranian technologies, skills and information.”

He explained that Kenya and Iran are strategically located to be each other’s key points of entry into their respective regions. “We will seek to capitalise on this unique advantage for our prosperity.” As a consequence of regular interactions, President Ruto argued that Kenya and Iran have signed more than 22 MoUs and agreements.

The instruments have been key to the cooperation in development, education, scholarships, infrastructure, health, water, fisheries and agriculture.

During their meeting, Dr Ruto and Dr Raisi witnessed the signing of new MoUs and agreements in the areas of agriculture, livestock, culture and heritage, information, ICT, fisheries, housing, urban and metropolitan development.

President Ruto lauded Iran’s support in health, terming it a critical step towards the realisation of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage. President Raisi lauded Kenya’s commitment to creating a friendly environment for foreign businesses.

He said more Iranian firms will establish operations in the country, paving their way to accessing EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA markets of more than 1.4 billion people. “The Kenya-Iran relations can always be strengthened for our benefit,” he said during a media briefing.

Holding bilateral meetings, attending intergovernmental committees and meeting with businesses and economic officials of the three countries (Kenya, Uganda and Zimbambwe) are on the agenda of Raisi’s visit.

Raisi: 10-fold increase in economic ties on agenda

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart, Raisi said Iran and Kenya have great capacities to expand their bilateral cooperation, and paying attention to these capacities can help improve the relations between the two countries.

“A 10-fold increase in the economic relations was put on the agenda,” he said, expressing hope that the Tehran-Nairobi relations expand day by day.

“We warmly shake the hands of all the governments of the African continent,” Raisi said. “Africa is the continent of capacities. Iran views African countries as full of capacities, talents, and natural and mineral resources. We also have many capacities. The exchange of these capacities can help the two countries progress.”

He also said Iran has experience in the fields of petrochemicals, agriculture, and science and technology, adding that the two sides can have good cooperation in the field of fisheries.

“This trip, which is a turning point in our relations, can create a good market for Iranian products in Kenya and East Africa. In the exchanges and conversations I had with the president of Kenya, [we agreed that] the two countries should provide the basis for the expansion of bilateral relations.”

The Iranian president maintained that Iran and Kenya’s shared stance on the fight against narcotics can be used to further expand bilateral relations.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Raisi noted that thanks to the Islamic Revolution and the Supreme Leader’s guidelines, Iran has managed to withstand sanctions and threats while making progress in various scientific, technological, and economic fields.

He also appreciated the warm welcome of the Kenyan government and people, adding, “We will be able to host the President of Kenya in Tehran soon.”

Ruto: Kenya welcomes Iranian investors with open arms

For his part, the Kenyan president said his country welcomes Iranian investors and businesspeople with open arms, vowing to create a suitable environment for them.

He said the two sides agreed that Iran will set up a car assembly plant in Kenya and produce Iranian cars to be sold in the African country under Swahili names.

“I am certain that these projects will not be stopped,” Ruto said.

He also described Raisi’s visit to Nairobi as very fruitful and a wonderful opportunity for his country. He said the trip will strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.