Kenya has opened talks with Oman to establish direct shipping lines and revive the bilateral aviation agreement.
This emerged following a meeting between Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, the chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.
According to a statement shared by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, the government is seeking to expand its connectivity with Oman after reaching bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.
“We also explored the potential for establishing direct shipping lines between Kenya and Oman, as well as the importance of reviving and strengthening our bilateral aviation agreement,” reads part of the statement released on Tuesday, February 18, by Joho.
The outspoken CS revealed that the talks with the chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry focused on the need for private sector investment across various sectors of our economies.
“I highlighted the promising opportunities for investment in the blue economy, agriculture, mining, and the construction industry, particularly in the upcoming special economic zone in Mombasa County,” Joho said.
Establishing direct maritime routes would streamline the transportation of goods, reducing transit times and minimizing logistical complexities. This efficiency is crucial for perishable goods like Kenya's agricultural exports, including tea, coffee, and fresh produce.
With the direct shipping lines, eliminating intermediary ports could lead to lower shipping costs, making Kenyan products more competitive in the Omani market. Conversely, Omani goods would become more affordable for Kenyan consumers and businesses.
Trade between Kenya and Oman is heavily skewed towards the Arab nation, with Kenya's exports to Oman in 2023 valued at US$20.94 million (about Ksh2.7 billion), according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.
However, in 2022, Oman exported goods worth $374 million (about Ksh48.32 billion) to Kenya, primarily refined petroleum, anti-knock compounds, and semi-finished iron products.
Kenya's exports to Oman include oils obtained from bituminous minerals, metallic salts, tea, meat, vegetable materials, coffee, medicaments, fruits, and nuts.
Conversely Oman exports petroleum, stones, machine tools, crude minerals, aluminium, pumps, ships, and boats to Kenya.
Joho revealed that Kenya and Oman are in talks for several bilateral agreements that could increase trade between the two states.
