Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has called on Australia to open its markets to Kenyan products as part of efforts to correct the trade imbalance between the two countries.

In a press release on October 13, 2025, after meeting Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, in Nairobi, Mudavadi said Kenya wants a fairer trading relationship that benefits both sides. He noted that while trade between the two countries has grown over the years, the balance remains in favour of Australia.

“We encourage Australian investors to consider Kenya as a preferred investment destination while also opening their markets for Kenyan imports to improve the balance of trade,” Mudavadi said.

The talks, held at the Railways Headquarters, focused on expanding cooperation in several key areas including trade and investment, agriculture, tourism, mining, sports, environmental conservation, and labour migration.

Focus on trade and cooperation

Mudavadi said Kenya can learn from Australia’s strong mining industry, adding that there is room for partnership in developing Kenya’s mineral potential. On agriculture, the two sides agreed to work together on improving seed quality and livestock keeping, especially ranching.

He also thanked the Australian government for giving opportunities to Kenyan students to study and work in Australia. Mudavadi said Kenya’s large, educated, and youthful population could provide skilled workers to support Australia’s growing economy.

The meeting also touched on maritime security, with both countries agreeing to cooperate in ensuring safety in the Indian Ocean, which carries a third of the world’s container traffic. They also discussed boosting investment in the blue economy, noting that the ocean plays a vital role in trade, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

Mudavadi said Kenya is keen to elevate its relations with Australia to the level of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in the future. Such an agreement, he added, would enhance trade, attract investment, and create more opportunities for both countries.

Kenya and Australia established diplomatic relations nearly six decades ago, and the two countries have continued to cooperate in areas of mutual interest. Mudavadi said the government remains committed to strengthening these ties and ensuring that future engagements bring tangible economic benefits to Kenyans.