Kenya and Pakistan Hold Vast Untapped Potential to Expand Trade: Peter Mbogo Njiru
Kenya and Pakistan hold vast untapped potential to expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation, as stated by Peter Mbogo Njiru, Kenyan High Commissioner (ret.) in Faisalabad. The growing interest from Pakistani entrepreneurs in strengthening commercial ties with Kenya is a positive sign, offering an opportunity to deepen business relationships.
Njiru emphasized the following points during his speech at Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA):
- The importance of business-to-business partnerships as the foundation for sustainable commercial growth.
- Kenya's openness to foreign direct investment across all sectors, with a commitment to providing investor facilitation.
- He urged the Pakistani business community to explore opportunities in Kenya, particularly in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textile manufacturing, and leather industries.
- Kenya's strategic location as a gateway to East Africa, making shipping from Karachi to Mombasa practical and cost-effective for reaching African markets.
- His appreciation for Pakistan's "Look Africa" initiative, aligning with Kenya's economic goals.
- Assurance that challenges hindering bilateral trade will be addressed through stakeholder coordination.
Ameer Ahmad, PTEA Vice Chairman, described Kenya as a valuable partner of Pakistan, highlighting historical and cultural ties. He noted that Kenya is among Pakistan's key trading partners in Africa, serving as a gateway to the region, with both nations having high-potential economies. Bilateral trade reached a record $1.023 billion in 2025–26, surpassing a milestone for the first time.
Rehan Naseem Bharara, upcoming PTEA Chairman, stressed the need to rethink trade strategies and establish a broader framework for cooperation based on shared interests and value addition.