Kenya, Indonesia to work together for shared prosperity

By Peter Ochieng 

President William Ruto's administration is working round the clock towards scaling up its ties with Indonesia.

This, is in the long run expected to increase investment and trade volumes between the two nations.

President Ruto on Monday said investment scope will also be broadened, to ensure balance of trade that is currently in favour of the Southeast Asian country.

“We will seize our energies and create the necessary environment for increased trade between our countries,” said Ruto, according to a dispatch from State House.

He spoke at State House Nairobi, when he hosted the president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo for bilateral talks.

Investment and trade between Kenya and Indonesia was valued at more than $600 million in 2022.

President Ruto added that Kenya will be seeking the support of Indonesia, to penetrate the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a fast‑growing trade bloc in Asia.

“Indonesia’s investment will support the government’s efforts to ensure affordable and accessible edible oil for the majority of the Kenyan people, especially in rural areas,” he noted.

On his part, president Widodo pledged to work with Kenya for their shared prosperity.

He said his country was keen to ensure the partnership with Kenya, was beneficial to the people.

Ruto at the same time announced that Kenya has lifted visa restrictions on Indonesian passport holders.

In line with Kenya being open for business, Ruto said the relaxation and progressive abolition of visa restrictions to entry by Indonesians was paramount.

“On our part as Kenya, we have taken the decision to extend visa-free entry not only to holders of diplomatic and service passports but also to all holders of Indonesian passports,” he said.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of several Memorundum of Understanding (MoU's).

Widodo’s visit comes within three months after Kenyan trade minister Moses Kuria’s visit to Indonesia in May..

During the visit, Kuria met a delegation to explore business partnerships between the two nations.