Kenya–Zambia relations

Kenya–Zambia relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Zambia. Zambia is a partner of Kenya in many areas particularly trade, energy and agriculture.

History

Kenya and Zambia have generally enjoyed warm relations.^[1] They cooperate in areas such as agriculture, tourism, information and communication and education. They have also signed an MOU on science, technology and innovation.^[2]

The first Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation that was signed by the presidents of the two countries on 8 September 1982.^[1]

Presidential visits

President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Zambia in July 2015 on the invitation of President Edgar Lungu of Zambia.^[3]

President Hakainde Hichilema visited Kenya in June 2022 for a state visit.^[4]

Trade

Zambia has on numerous occasions accused Kenya of blocking Zambian made goods, particularly sugar. Zambia has on occasion retaliated by blocking all Kenyan made goods from Zambia. At one time Zambia refused to allow palm oil from Kenya citing that the goods didn't meet the 35% local content. Kenyan processed milk was also not allowed into Zambia at a time as Zambian officials had concerns with standards. Both countries are part of COMESA which is a free trade area aimed at promoting intra-African trade.^[5]

Kenya exports edible oils, margarines, iron sheets, steel pipes and products, detergents, baking powder, kitchen and table wares, spices, blankets, beauty products, toiletries, irrigation pumps, tyres, and textiles and crafts to Zambia.^[6]

Kenya's top imports from Zambia include copper wire or refined, maize seed, electric conductors, butane, LPG, waste and scrap primary cells, crude vegetable material, pig iron, asbestos and ferro silicon.^[1]

Kenya exported goods worth $72.7 million to Zambia in 2011, whereby trade had increased by 31% from 2010. Zambian exported good worth $65.5 million to Kenya in the same year.^[7]

Energy

Both countries signed an MOU to interconnect their national grids along with Tanzania. The deal was aimed at connecting Eastern Africa's power grid to that of the Southern Africa. The deal is worth $1.2 billion.^[8]

FDI

Kenyan investors in Zambia include Kenya Airways, Davis and Shirtliff, KenolKobil and Mastermind Tobacco.^[1]

Diplomatic missions

Zambia maintains a high commission in Nairobi.^[9]
Kenya also maintains a high commission in Lusaka.^[10]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d [1] Archived 3 June 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Kenya - Zambia Bilateral Relations. Retrieved on 9 January 2015.
^ "Kenya and Zambia sign pacts to enhance bilateral relations | The Presidency". www.president.go.ke. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
^ [2]. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives in Zambia Retrieved on 11 July 2015.
^ "Kenya And Zambia Agree To Remove Barriers Hindering Trade". African Business. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
^ [3]. Zambia slaps duty on Kenyan goods. Retrieved on 9 January 2015.
^ [4]. Kenya plans talks with Zambia on export duty dispute. Retrieved on 9 January 2015.
^ [5]. Kenya, Zambia Row Over Sugar Imports. Retrieved on 9 January 2015.
^ [6]. Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia have signed a power deal. Retrieved on 9 January 2015.
^ "Log into Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 20 May 2021. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
^ "High Commission of the Republic of Kenya in Lusaka, Zambia | Kenya Embassies in Zambia". visacent.com. Retrieved 20 May 2021.