Iranian Minister for Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri during the 7th session opening ceremony of the Kenya-Iran joint Commission for Cooperation in Nairobi, on August 12th 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said both governments have resolved to introduce stringent regulations to safeguard the integrity of Kenyan tea exports.
"Kenya's tea sector is one of our largest foreign exchange earners, and we must protect it from unscrupulous traders who damage our reputation," he said.
The newly formed joint committee will craft a framework to restore confidence, enforce quality standards, and resume exports before the end of the 60-day timeline.
The JCC provided an opportunity for the two countries to take stock of the deepened partnership and forge new pathways in emerging areas such as climate-smart agriculture, manufacturing, transport and infrastructure, education and training, Customs-to-Customs cooperation and renewable energy, among others.
"Through the past sessions of the JCC, we have established frameworks in areas such as trade, agriculture, health, education, science and technology, energy, and cultural cooperation. This JCC marks not only the continuation of the long-standing and cordial relationship between our two countries, but also a renewed opportunity to chart a more pragmatic, ambitious and results-oriented agenda for mutual posterity," said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said Kenya continues to position itself as the gateway to the East African region and the rest of Africa, as well as a hub for trade and commerce, innovation, logistics and diplomacy.