Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formalised a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major milestone in the nations’ bilateral relations. Signed in the presence of President William Ruto and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deal makes Kenya the first mainland African country to conclude such an agreement with the Gulf state. The pact aims to expand market access, modernise customs processes, and unlock new investment opportunities while positioning Kenya as a key gateway for trade into East and Southern Africa. With the UAE already among Kenya’s top import suppliers and fastest-growing export destinations, officials say the agreement is poised to accelerate the economic momentum witnessed over the past decade.
The CEPA builds on an already robust trade relationship, with total trade between the two countries reaching KSh445 billion in 2023. Kenya’s exports—dominated by meat products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers—stand to benefit from reduced barriers and smoother regulatory procedures under the new framework. The agreement also broadens cooperation beyond goods, opening the UAE market to Kenyan service providers in sectors such as education, logistics, engineering, and construction. In line with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the partnership is designed to attract foreign direct investment and support technology transfer across priority sectors. Both nations have additionally committed to advancing sustainable development, particularly through clean technologies and environmentally responsible practices.
Looking ahead, Kenyan officials expect the CEPA to catalyse new investments in energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, and logistics through a combination of government partnerships and private-sector participation. The pact strengthens Kenya’s broader trade strategy, complementing existing agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as regional frameworks like the AfCFTA. For the UAE, the partnership reinforces its position as a global logistics and financial hub while expanding its footprint in Africa’s growing markets. As implementation begins, analysts say the agreement sends a strong signal to global investors about Kenya’s readiness to scale up its role as a competitive, innovation-driven trade partner.