Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held an important meeting with H.E. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and trade.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, the Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening agricultural ties with Kenya. He noted that current bilateral trade stands at approximately USD 1 billion, with Pakistan exporting rice, cotton, and seeds, while importing tea and other commodities valued at around USD 350 million. Both sides recognized the potential to further diversify and expand trade, especially in agri-based products.
The High Commissioner expressed Kenya’s keen interest in institutional collaboration and confirmed his upcoming visit to the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to explore opportunities for joint research and agricultural innovation. The Minister highlighted PARC’s extensive network of 44 specialized research institutes across the country and emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to partner in areas such as seed development, livestock, cotton production, and agri-mechanization.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural and trade cooperation is expected to be discussed and potentially finalized during the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting, scheduled to be held in Islamabad from September 11 to 18, 2025. Minister Hussain noted that the JTC would serve as a key platform to institutionalize cooperation and finalize agreements aimed at expanding agricultural trade and knowledge exchange.
The Minister also acknowledged Kenya’s growing interest in exporting products such as avocados, mangoes, flowers, and tea to Pakistan. He expressed particular interest in avocado imports, citing their quality and competitive pricing. He reiterated Pakistan’s openness to diversifying its import basket, noting the complementarity between the two countries’ agricultural strengths.
The High Commissioner highlighted the presence of 2,000 to 3,000 Pakistanis living in Kenya, contributing in sectors such as hospitality, banking, automobile trade, and development initiatives, including through organizations like the Aga Khan Foundation. Minister Hussain appreciated the diaspora’s contributions and stressed the importance of people-to-people linkages in reinforcing bilateral ties.
It was also noted that Kenya maintains collaborative relations with Pakistani institutions such as the National Agriculture Foundation and the National Textile University, Faisalabad. The Minister underscored the need to build on these linkages to promote joint ventures, research partnerships, and technology transfer in areas including textiles, leather, and agricultural processing.
The High Commissioner expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support, particularly in defense training. Many Kenyan Army and Navy officers have received training at institutions such as the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul and the Command and Staff College in Quetta. – PID
