Kenya’s agricultural sector is set to improve after Kazakhstan showed keen interest in boosting the production and trade sector.
The move comes as both nations seek to deepen their economic ties and explore new agricultural markets.
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Kenya, Barlybay Sadykov, said with the country’s huge wheat production and export capacity, Kenya can utilise the opportunity to explore markets, food processing, industrial and agricultural inputs, and skill exchange to promote the local processing capacity and production to meet demand markets.
“Kazakhstan is one of the big producers and exporters of wheat and wheat flour,” said Ambassador Sadykov.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting for Kenyan businessmen at the Embassy Residence in Runda ahead of Kazakhstan’s 35th Republic Day anniversary, observed on 25th October 2026, the Ambassador said Kenya, being a major player in wheat production, stands a chance to benefit from the partnership.
With over two billion people worldwide lacking access to clean water, the ambassador said Kazakhstan is advocating for the establishment of a specialised agency within the United Nations to address water scarcity, arguing that limited access to safe water remains a major global challenge which has affected agriculture production.
“Our lives and economic development depend on water. We are therefore very grateful to Kenya for supporting this initiative. The joint statement adopted by the presidents of our two countries in May affirmed Kenya’s support for Kazakhstan’s initiative,” he said.
He revealed that initiative could provide another avenue for collaboration between the countries on water governance, infrastructure and sustainable management of water resources.
On scientific and laboratory capabilities, the envoy said Kazakhstan is willing to forge partnerships with Kenyan institutions in disease research and related fields. He said the Almaty laboratory, which is the main research centre, would offer lab research and skill exchange, among other benefits, to Kenyan institutions.
“We have capacities, we have knowledge, and we can work in this area. Public health partnership would require engagement between the relevant medical and research institutions to identify specific needs, establish appropriate safeguards and agree on practical areas of collaboration,” he revealed.
The envoy at the same time said there exists a huge potential for partnership in minerals exploitation citing Kazakhstan’s vast deposit of rare minerals.
“Kazakhstan is rich in mineral resources including Chromium and Uranium. Since Kenya is planning to build its’ own nuclear energy production station, this is an opportunity for cooperation” Sadykov said.
He called for international action against nuclear testing saying radioactive exposure has affected many lives and the environment.
“More than 450 nuclear tests were conducted in Kazakhstan, exposing over one million people to radioactive contamination and fallout from tests carried out in the atmosphere, underground and on the surface. The radioactive fallout spread over distances of up to 1,000 kilometres, and people continue to suffer the consequences,” he said.
He highlighted Kazakhstan’s role in promoting interfaith dialogue, hosting international meetings of religious leaders and participating in peacekeeping operations, including missions in parts of Africa, including DRC, in the Central African Republic and South Sudan.
He said the initiatives form part of Kazakhstan’s broader diplomatic engagement, which prioritised dialogue, cooperation and international peace.
“Now it is time for us to jointly implement what our presidents agreed and committed,” he said.
Ambassador Sadykov called on the media, public institutions, and the private sector to advance bilateral engagement as the two countries move to actualise the projects and establish lasting relationships.
“And now it’s time for us to jointly implement what our presidents agreed and committed. And it is up to each and every person working at the government ministries of Kazakhstan and Kenya to make the MoU a reality,” he stressed.
The event was attended by Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Mr Temesi Mukani, among other stakeholders.
By Ian Chepkuto and Kizito Maruti
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