Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi when he met Thai ambassador to Kenya Jirusaya Birananda /PCSPSKenya and Thailand are seeking to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, attracting investment and creating opportunities for businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the two countries were exploring ways to strengthen their longstanding relationship as they prepare to mark 60 years of friendship in July 2027.
Mudavadi made the remarks after meeting Thailand’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jirusaya Birananda, in Nairobi on Tuesday to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations and identifying areas of mutual economic benefit.
“Nearly 60 years of Kenya–Thailand friendship. Now is the time to turn that relationship into greater economic opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi said.
Among the proposals discussed was a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations aimed at deepening diplomatic cooperation between Nairobi and Bangkok.
The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for regular consultations on issues of mutual interest, strengthening engagement between the two governments as they seek to broaden their partnership.
The discussions also explored opportunities to increase Kenyan exports to Thailand and attract investment from Thai businesses into key sectors of the Kenyan economy.
These include agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure and logistics.
Expanding cooperation in agro-processing could provide opportunities for Kenyan farmers and agribusinesses to access new markets, while investment in manufacturing could support industrial growth and create employment.
The two countries could also benefit from stronger collaboration in tourism and ICT, sectors that offer opportunities for business partnerships, innovation and the exchange of expertise.
Mudavadi said the partnership should deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens, particularly farmers, businesses and young people seeking opportunities in emerging industries.
“For Kenyans, this means potential new markets for our farmers and businesses, more investment and jobs, and greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators,” he said.
The proposed expansion of economic ties comes as Kenya continues to pursue international partnerships to grow exports, attract foreign capital and strengthen its position in regional and global markets.
Thailand, a major Asian economy with established manufacturing and agro-processing industries, presents potential opportunities for collaboration with Kenyan businesses seeking new markets, technology and investment.
However, translating the proposals into concrete economic gains will depend on the development of practical agreements, stronger business links and sustained engagement between the private sectors of both countries.
As the 60th anniversary of Kenya–Thailand relations approaches, Mudavadi said the milestone should be an opportunity to move beyond diplomatic goodwill towards stronger commercial ties.
“Six decades of friendship must now translate into stronger trade, greater investment and shared prosperity,” he said.
