Islamabad — In a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan-Kenya bilateral relations, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a productive meeting with H.E. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, the High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in agriculture, trade, and institutional collaboration.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, Minister Hussain reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening agricultural ties with Kenya. He highlighted that bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 1 billion, with Pakistan exporting rice, cotton, and seeds, and importing tea and other Kenyan commodities worth around USD 350 million. Both parties expressed a strong mutual desire to diversify and expand this trade relationship, especially in agri-based sectors.
The Kenyan High Commissioner emphasized his country’s keen interest in institutional partnerships and confirmed his forthcoming visit to the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The visit will explore opportunities for joint agricultural research and innovation. Minister Hussain briefed the High Commissioner on PARC’s expansive network of 44 specialized institutes and expressed Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate in seed development, livestock improvement, cotton production, and agricultural mechanization.
A key outcome of the discussions was the anticipation of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural and trade cooperation. This agreement is expected to be formalized during the upcoming Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting, scheduled in Islamabad from September 11 to 18, 2025. Minister Hussain emphasized that the JTC meeting will provide a vital platform to institutionalize cooperation and advance agricultural diplomacy.
Kenya’s interest in exporting high-value agricultural products—including avocados, mangoes, flowers, and tea—was warmly welcomed. Minister Hussain specifically expressed interest in avocado imports, citing their quality and competitive pricing. He noted Pakistan’s openness to diversifying its import portfolio with high-quality Kenyan produce, reflecting the complementary agricultural strengths of both nations.
The meeting also highlighted the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Kenya, estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 individuals, who are active in various sectors such as hospitality, banking, automobile trade, and development initiatives, including contributions through the Aga Khan Foundation. Minister Hussain recognized their contributions and stressed the importance of people-to-people connections in building enduring bilateral relationships.
Further enhancing the collaborative outlook, the Minister acknowledged Kenya’s ongoing engagements with Pakistani institutions such as the National Agriculture Foundation and the National Textile University, Faisalabad. He proposed greater emphasis on joint ventures, research partnerships, and technology transfer in fields such as textiles, leather goods, and agricultural processing.
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s long-standing support, particularly in defense training. He noted that many Kenyan Army and Navy officers have received training at prestigious Pakistani institutions including the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul and the Command and Staff College in Quetta.
In a heartfelt note, the High Commissioner thanked Minister Hussain for attending Kenya’s Independence Day celebrations, describing it as a symbol of mutual respect and friendship.
As both countries reflect on their diplomatic ties since 1964, the meeting concluded with a shared commitment to reinvigorate institutional cooperation and explore new frontiers in agricultural, educational, and trade partnerships.
Under the leadership of Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research continues to strengthen Pakistan’s global agricultural partnerships, with Kenya emerging as a key ally in East Africa.
BY: The Times Union
