MITI Engages Diplomats to Boost Kenya’s Global Trade Footprint

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) convened a consultative dinner meeting with 130 Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to discuss strategies for advancing Kenya’s trade agenda alongside the country’s diplomatic engagements.

The event, held in Nairobi on Wednesday evening, emphasized the critical role of Kenya’s diplomatic network in expanding access for Kenyan goods and services in global markets.

The Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged the country’s ambassadors to actively champion Kenyan products abroad. 

“We want Kenyan products to dominate shelves across international markets,”he said.

CS Kinyanjui highlighted recent success stories, including the export of 2 million stem roses to the United States starting this April, following an agreement with retail giant Walmart. 

He called on ambassadors to promote Kenya’s favourable climate, fiscal flexibility, skilled workforce, and strong financial systems, noting that such efforts will help reduce the trade deficit and position Kenya as a competitive global player.

Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam emphasized the importance of trade agreements in expanding market access. 

“Kenya has successfully negotiated several trade agreements that have significantly enhanced opportunities for our goods and services. Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners can actively market Kenya as a competitive and reliable trading partner, while identifying and unlocking opportunities for Kenyan products,” she said.

Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu highlighted the potential of diaspora markets to support Kenyan traders, while Principal Secretary for Industry Juma Mukhwana underlined collaboration with diplomatic missions to attract investors to County Aggregation and Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones.