Kenya is seeking to expand exports to Thailand and attract new investments as it moves to address a trade imbalance ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July 2027.
Prime CS and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya wants to translate nearly six decades of diplomatic ties with Thailand into greater economic opportunities. He said Kenya needs to explore new markets for local businesses and investment in manufacturing, agro-processing and infrastructure.
Mudavadi spoke after meeting Thailand Ambassador Jirusaya Birananda for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with both countries exploring ways to deepen trade and investment ties.
The push comes against the backdrop of a significant trade imbalance in Thailand’s favour, with Kenya seeking to increase the value of goods it sells to the Asian economy while attracting Thai companies to invest in local production.
Kenya imported goods worth about $151.5 million from Thailand in 2024, compared with exports of about $23.1 million, according to figures published by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in August.
The disparity brings to the fore Nairobi’s intensified efforts in its push to not only expand its diplomatic footprint but to also turn longstanding diplomatic relations into more commercially beneficial ties.
“Nearly 60 years of Kenya-Thailand friendship. Now is the time to turn that relationship into greater economic opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi said.
The discussions focused on expanding Kenyan exports and attracting Thai investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, information and communication technology, infrastructure and logistics.
This comes against the shift in diplomatic engagements under President William Ruto towards economic and commercial diplomacy.
Expanding access to Thailand’s market provides opportunities for agricultural producers and businesses seeking to diversify their export destinations, while investment in processing and manufacturing could support value addition and job creation.
The two countries are also exploring a proposed MoU on Political Consultations to provide a framework for more structured diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
Agriculture and agro-processing offer scope for cooperation in improving productivity, transferring technology and expanding the processing of agricultural produce before export.
Kenya is also seeking Thai investment in infrastructure and logistics, areas that could support trade by improving the movement of goods and strengthening links between producers and markets.
Tourism and ICT are other sectors identified for expanded cooperation, offering opportunities for business partnerships, knowledge exchange and innovation.
The two sides did not, however, announce any investment commitments or a new trade agreement.
The anniversary in July 2027 provides an opportunity for both countries to set measurable targets for expanding trade, encouraging investment and strengthening private-sector engagement.
Kenya and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1967. Their cooperation has since covered trade, agriculture, education, tourism and other areas of mutual interest.
In August, the Foreign Affairs ministry identified the need to expand market access for Kenyan products, promote value addition and strengthen private-sector links as priorities for addressing the trade imbalance.
The ministry also pointed to opportunities for cooperation in agricultural technology, irrigation, mechanisation and post-harvest management.
