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Kenyan Farmers to Benefit as Malaysia Lifts Tariffs on Key Exports

November 24, 2025

3 min read

Kenya, November 24 2025 - Kenya and Malaysia have entered a new phase of economic cooperation after agreeing to eliminate tariffs on Kenyan agricultural exports headed to the Southeast Asian nation. The announcement was made on Monday by President William Ruto, who emphasized that the move will open a wider market for Kenyan farmers and strengthen long-standing bilateral ties.

The declaration came during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Nairobi, where the two leaders co-chaired bilateral discussions and witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements across trade, education, and technology.

President Ruto described the tariff waiver as a milestone for Kenya’s agricultural sector, noting that Malaysian consumers will now have easier access to Kenyan tea, coffee, cut flowers, avocados, and titanium ores, products that already form the backbone of Kenya’s exports to the Asian nation.

“This decision reshapes the prospects for our farmers,” Ruto said, explaining that lowering market barriers in Malaysia will increase competitiveness for Kenyan produce and diversify export destinations beyond traditional European markets.

Kenya, in return, will continue to import Malaysian edible oils, chemical products, electronics, agricultural chemicals, and rubber, goods that are crucial for both domestic consumption and industrial use.

Beyond trade, Kenya and Malaysia signed agreements aimed at enhancing Kenya’s STEM capabilities, education systems, and research institutions as part of the country’s broader human capital development strategy. Malaysia, which boasts one of Asia’s most advanced electronics and semiconductor industries, pledged to support Kenya in expanding its own technological and manufacturing potential.

Ruto highlighted ongoing work at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, noting that Malaysia’s technical expertise will help Kenya strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, an emerging sector the government considers vital for industrial transformation.

“We recognize Malaysia’s success in industrial development and technical training. This partnership will help us equip more Kenyan engineers and specialists with the skills needed for future industries,” Ruto stated.

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The President also spoke of Kenya’s intention to draw lessons from Malaysia and Singapore’s infrastructural and social development models. He said Kenya will soon facilitate visits for local private-sector leaders to Malaysia to examine best practices in housing, healthcare, and urban infrastructure.

Ruto explained that aspects of Kenya’s affordable housing program were inspired by Southeast Asian countries that have implemented large-scale, efficient public housing for decades.

Prime Minister Anwar praised Kenya’s commitment to delivering affordable housing and accelerating inclusive development, remarking that few countries have moved as swiftly on such reforms.

He further encouraged Kenya and Malaysia to assert a stronger joint voice in shaping global economic governance, saying the partnership should go beyond bilateral trade and contribute to broader international economic stability.

“I firmly believe that Kenya is on the path to becoming one of Africa’s brightest stars,” Anwar said, expressing confidence in the country’s economic direction and leadership. The agreements signed during the visit mark one of the most significant expansions of Kenya–Malaysia relations in recent years.

Observers note that the duty-free deal could diversify Kenya’s export markets and help stabilize incomes for farmers, while the STEM and industrial collaborations may set the stage for deeper technological exchange in the future.

For Kenya, the partnership reflects a deliberate shift toward building alliances with fast-growing Asian economies that offer both markets and manufacturing expertise. For Malaysia, it signals a strategic strengthening of ties with one of East Africa’s key economic players.