Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Senator Mutahi Kagwe has said Kenya is increasing efforts to widen international markets for its agricultural exports after high-level discussions aimed at strengthening trade relations with Oman.
CS Kagwe met Oman’s Ambassador to Kenya, Nasra Salim Mohamed Al-Hashmi, to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries.
The discussions focused on expanding exports of major Kenyan agricultural products, including tea, coffee, livestock, flowers, fruits, and other horticultural goods.
The engagement follows Kenya’s push to diversify export destinations and reduce dependence on traditional markets by opening new trade routes in the Middle East and beyond.
The relationship is rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange along the East African coast.
According to the discussions, stronger cooperation between Kenya and Oman is expected to create new opportunities for farmers, exporters, and investors while deepening economic ties between the two nations.
CS Kagwe also said the two countries are exploring broader opportunities in the commercial use of agricultural land and investment partnerships intended to raise agricultural productivity and encourage value addition.
Historical ties through the Swahili Coast saw Omani traders play an important role in shaping commerce, culture, and settlement patterns in coastal Kenya, especially in areas such as Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, and Kwale.
This shared heritage remains visible today through cultural links, family connections, and linguistic influence, with Swahili continuing to serve as an important cultural bridge between the two countries.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing practical cooperation in agriculture, trade, and related sectors, with the aim of delivering mutual economic benefits and supporting long-term growth.
The meeting is expected to help identify measures, investment frameworks, and market access opportunities for Kenyan products in Oman.
The Kenyan Embassy in Oman continues to support these efforts by promoting investment opportunities and facilitating bilateral economic engagement aimed at mutual growth and prosperity.