Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with trade, energy, water infrastructure and regional peace taking centre stage during high-level talks between the two countries.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei said Kenya’s relationship with the UAE was anchored on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which he said was already contributing to increased trade between the two countries.
Sing’Oei said bilateral trade had surpassed $2 billion, highlighting the growing economic ties between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi.
“Kenya-UAE relations are anchored on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed last year which is already driving trade volumes presently at over $2 billion,” Sing’Oei said.
The PS made the remarks after receiving UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Abdulla Balalaa for discussions on areas of mutual interest.
Energy cooperation also featured prominently in the talks, with Sing’Oei describing the sector as being of “strategic importance” to Kenya-UAE relations.
The two officials also discussed preparations for the forthcoming United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE is scheduled to host in December.
Sing’Oei said the meeting highlighted the urgent need to mobilise greater investment in global water infrastructure, citing an estimated funding gap of $6.7 trillion required by 2030.
“We discussed the forthcoming UN Water Conference which UAE will host in December emphasizing the urgent need to bridge investment gap in global water infrastructure estimated at $6.7 trillion needed by 2030,” he said.
The discussions come amid growing international concern over water security, infrastructure financing and the impact of climate change on access to reliable water supplies.
Kenya has continued to pursue international partnerships to attract investment in infrastructure and other strategic sectors as it seeks to expand economic opportunities and address development challenges.
The talks also touched on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the two sides discussing efforts to promote a peaceful resolution.
Sing’Oei said Kenya and the UAE agreed on the need to deepen mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and securing a lasting ceasefire.
“We also discussed the ongoing conflict in the ME and called for deepening mediation efforts to ensure permanent ceasefire,” he said.
The engagement underscores the broader scope of Kenya-UAE relations, which have expanded beyond trade to include energy, infrastructure, water security and diplomatic cooperation.
The two countries are expected to continue working together through bilateral and multilateral platforms to advance economic cooperation while supporting international efforts to address regional conflicts and global development challenges.
