President William Ruto is in Kazakhstan on a state visit aimed at deepening trade, attracting investment and expanding Kenya’s diplomatic footprint into Central Asia, as Nairobi seeks to position itself as a gateway to African markets.
Ruto, who arrived in Astana earlier this week, held bilateral talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, where the two leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, transport, ICT, energy and investment facilitation between the two countries.
The visit has been anchored on economic diplomacy, with Kenya pushing for stronger market access for its agricultural exports while encouraging Kazakh investment into infrastructure, logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Speaking during the Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Forum at the Astana International Financial Centre, Ruto emphasised the need to expand commercial ties between the two countries and unlock new growth opportunities.
“We are committed to deepening trade and expanding economic opportunities between Kenya and Kazakhstan for the shared prosperity of our two nations,” Ruto said.
He added that Kenya would pursue stronger transport links to support trade, including air connectivity.
“To advance this partnership, we shall pursue the establishment of direct flights between Nairobi and Astana to facilitate commerce, and promote greater people-to-people engagements,” he said.
Ruto also positioned Kenya’s port infrastructure as a strategic entry point into the wider region, inviting Kazakh investors and businesses to tap into East Africa’s logistics network.
“We further invite Kazakhstan to take full advantage of the strategic position and capacity of the ports of Mombasa and Lamu as key gateways for entry and trans-shipment into the East and Central African region,” he said.
The President said the talks were not only government-to-government but also aimed at strengthening private sector engagement, noting that sustainable economic partnerships require active participation from businesses in both countries.
“Addressed the Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Forum at the Astana International Financial Centre alongside President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. We advocated stronger business and investment ties between our countries,” Ruto said.
During the visit, Kenya and Kazakhstan also explored cooperation in digital government systems, transport corridors, energy development and trade facilitation, with both sides expressing interest in expanding economic links beyond traditional markets.
The two leaders also witnessed discussions on potential agreements expected to ease investment flows and strengthen business linkages between Nairobi and Astana.
Ruto further used the visit to position Kenya as a regional trade hub, highlighting its access to the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area as key advantages for foreign investors.
The Kazakhstan visit is part of Kenya’s broader diplomatic push to diversify partnerships beyond its traditional allies, with the government increasingly focusing on emerging economies in Asia and Central Asia to boost trade and investment inflows.
Ruto is expected to conclude his engagements with further meetings with business leaders before returning to Nairobi, where attention will shift back to domestic economic and political developments.
