By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, May 20, 2026 - Kenya is seeking to unlock direct tea exports to Kazakhstan and attract fresh investments into its industrial parks and Special Economic Zones as part of efforts to expand market access and shield key supply chains from global disruptions.
Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya and Kazakhstan had opened discussions on deepening bilateral trade ties during talks held in Astana with Kazakhstan’s Minister for Industry and Construction, Nagaspayev Yersaiyn.
“Strengthening direct market access for our products while securing strategic supply chains remains critical for Kenya’s economic growth,” Mr Kinyanjui said.
A key focus of the discussions was the direct export of Kenyan tea to Kazakhstan, eliminating reliance on third-country routes that currently increase costs and reduce returns to exporters.
“We discussed the huge potential for direct export of Kenyan tea to Kazakhstan instead of routing it through third countries, a move that would enhance value for our farmers and exporters,” the CS said.
Kenya is also positioning itself as a manufacturing and logistics hub for Kazakh investors targeting the wider African market.
Mr Kinyanjui invited investors from Kazakhstan to establish manufacturing and processing plants within Kenya’s Special Economic Zones and industrial parks.
He said the move would allow investors to “leverage Kenya as a gateway to the African market while creating jobs and opportunities for our youth.”
The talks also touched on fertiliser supply amid growing global uncertainty linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
Mr Kinyanjui noted that Kazakhstan, a major fertiliser producer, could become an alternative source for Kenya as the government seeks to cushion farmers from supply disruptions and rising input costs.
“With the ongoing uncertainties around the Strait of Hormuz affecting global supply chains, there is an opportunity to diversify sourcing and safeguard affordable supply for Kenyan farmers,” he said.
The two countries further explored the use of the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu as strategic transshipment hubs into Africa, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a regional trade and logistics centre.
Kenya and Kazakhstan also signalled plans for cooperation in technology and digital innovation.
Mr Kinyanjui said Kazakhstan was interested in learning from Kenya’s advancements in technology and fintech as it rolls out an ambitious national digitisation programme over the next three years.
“We agreed to advance collaboration and partnerships in the digital space,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by Kenya Investment Authority chief executive John Mwendwa during the talks.
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