Kenya and Poland have signed two bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The signing ceremony, held at State House in Nairobi on Monday, was attended by President William Ruto of Kenya and his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda.
The agreements, focusing on agricultural cooperation and tax solidarity, mark a milestone in the efforts to deepen ties between Kenya and Poland. President Ruto expressed optimism about the potential of these Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to foster bilateral partnerships and create new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, President Ruto emphasized the strong relations between Kenya and Poland and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreements. He also hinted at the existence of several other deals in the pipeline, underscoring Kenya’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with Poland.
Following the signing ceremony, both presidents participated in the Kenya-Poland business and economic forum, where various collaborative initiatives between Ken Invest and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency were endorsed. The forum also showcased Polish technology in virtual reality for smart welding operations and drone technology for wildlife conservation in Kenya.
One of the key areas of collaboration highlighted by the leaders is agriculture, with a focus on addressing the demand for wheat and grain products in Kenya. President Ruto emphasized Kenya’s strategic position as a gateway to the East African Community (EAC) market and invited Poland to explore the potential of Mombasa and Lamu ports as logistical hubs for exporting products to the region and beyond.
However, concerns have been raised about Kenya’s punitive tax regime, which some fear could deter foreign investors from making long-term investments in the country. This has led to speculation that Kenya may be losing out on investment opportunities to its neighboring countries with more favorable tax policies.
In addition to economic cooperation, the discussions between President Ruto and President Duda also touched upon the possibility of developing a framework for labor mobility to enhance job opportunities for skilled labor and address labor shortages in Poland.
During the visit, President Ruto sought President Duda’s support for the “Nairobi Declaration,” a call to action adopted by world leaders during the Africa Climate Summit held last year. This demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to addressing climate change and garnering international support for environmental initiatives.