NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Malaysia have announced a major expansion of bilateral cooperation, highlighted by the removal of tariffs on key Kenyan agricultural exports, opening what President William Ruto described as “a significant new frontier” for farmers and industrial players.
Speaking during the welcoming ceremony for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday, President Ruto said the deal marks a turning point in Kenya–Malaysia relations, strengthening a commercial partnership that has grown steadily over the last decade.
“The removal of these tariffs is especially significant given the structure of our current trade, where Kenya’s main exports to Malaysia include tea, coffee, flowers, avocados, and titanium ores,” Ruto said.
“This agreement opens new market opportunities for our farmers and reinforces the foundation of our partnership.”
Kenya’s imports from Malaysia largely consist of edible oils, fats, chemical products, electronics, agricultural chemicals, and rubber goods that have shaped Malaysia’s foothold in East Africa’s manufacturing supply chain.
Beyond trade, the two countries agreed on a cooperation framework anchored in Malaysia’s strengths: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), research, and higher education.
Ruto announced that Malaysia will support Kenya’s ambition to expand its semiconductor technology sector, including building on the technical capabilities emerging from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
“Through a strategic partnership, Malaysia will support Kenya to grow and expand its semiconductor technology and manufacturing capabilities,” he said, noting that training programmes for engineers and high-level professionals will feed directly into Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.
“We are walking in the footsteps of Malaysia, and we hope to catch up with you soon,” he added.
The President also revealed that Kenya’s affordable housing ambitions drew inspiration from Singapore and Malaysia. He announced plans to send private-sector delegations to Malaysia to study best practices in urban housing, health systems, and modern infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Anwar praised Ruto’s housing programme, describing it as one of the most ambitious on the continent. He noted that few countries had moved “as fast and effectively” in delivering low-cost units and integrating communities into long-term urban planning.
Calling for stronger economic governance between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said the partnership should evolve into a forceful global voice.
“I believe that Kenya will be one of the great stars in Africa,” he told the joint press briefing.
The two leaders are expected to follow up with implementation committees to operationalise the tariff removal and technology cooperation agreements in early 2026.
