Kenya-Israel Governments Agree to Eliminate Trade Barriers

Kenya and Israel will work together to eliminate barriers to trade between them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President William Ruto emphasized the enormous potential between the two countries.

“We must exploit these opportunities. There are a wide range of exports that deserve to reach the Israel market,” said President Ruto.

He referred to the lack of direct flights as a “serious impediment” that continues to hinder trade and tourism between Kenya and Israel.

The comments were delivered by President Ruto on Tuesday at a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister at the latter’s office in Jerusalem.

Ruto observed that Kenya and Israel possess unique global attractions that can sustain robust growth in tourism. “Without free movement, tourism is severely restricted.”

He said the review of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement gives Kenya Airways and El-Al — the flag carrier of Israel — an opportunity to elevate their operations.

He added the imbalance is not a result of natural equilibrium in Kenya’s export performance but impositions on export producers.

On his part, Mr. Netanyahu committed to continuing working with Kenya in fighting terrorism, countering radicalisation and violent extremism.

“It is our focus that we remain stable and peaceful as we pursue our socio-economic friendship,” he said. Earlier, President Ruto met his Israel counterpart Isaac Herzog at his residence in Jerusalem where they agreed to expand Kenya-Israel cooperation.

“We are broadening our friendship to efficiently produce more to feed our people and export the surplus,” argued President Ruto. President Herzog observed that Israel’s modern farming technology will sustainably drive Kenya’s “hugely transformational plan”.