President William Ruto has announced a strategic trade move in partnership with the South Korean government to reduce barriers limiting access for Kenyan products to the South Korean market.

In a statement on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Ruto announced the partnership after a meeting with the South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.

At the time, Ruto elaborated on enduring diplomatic relations with South Korea, a partnership he says has continued to advance both governments’ shared aspirations for progress, prosperity, and deeper cooperation between our two nations.

“We value our strong and enduring diplomatic relations with South Korea, a partnership that continues to advance our shared aspirations for progress, prosperity, and deeper cooperation between our two nations,” Ruto said.

He went on to announce that the government is deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, which includes trade and investment, education, science, technology, and manufacturing.

“Together, we are deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, education, science, technology, and manufacturing,” Ruto said.

On Trade and Investment, Ruto said that both governments have agreed to unlock the immense trade potential between Kenya and South Korea.

According to the President, the agreement will involve reducing barriers that limit access for Kenyan agricultural products to the South Korean market.

“To unlock the immense trade potential between our two nations, we are working to reduce barriers that limit access for Kenyan agricultural products to the South Korean market,” he explained.

At the same time, the Head of State expressed his appreciation to South Korea following the partnership in the development of KAIST, an institution he says is strengthening Kenya’s human resource capacity in science and technology to drive national transformation.

“At State House Nairobi, held talks with South Korea National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, who also attended the ceremony for the award of charters to the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the Kenya Medical Research Institute,” he added.