By Bill Abuyeka | March 12, 2026
Kenya and Australia are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations through parliamentary diplomacy, with a focus on expanding cooperation in the mining, trade and investment sectors.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, Moses Wetang’ula said the two countries are committed to reinforcing their long-standing partnership while exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya made the remarks during a meeting with Jenny Da Rin, as discussions centred on enhancing cooperation, particularly in the mining industry.
Wetang’ula noted that Australia has advanced mining technologies supported by strong regulatory frameworks, adding that Kenya stands to gain through closer engagement in the sector.
“Kenya has made significant progress with the establishment of the Mining Act, and stronger collaboration between the two countries in the mining sector is highly encouraged,” he said.
He also revealed that the National Assembly has formed the Kenya–Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and boost engagement with the Parliament of Australia.
Wetang’ula further observed that many Kenyan students have benefited from Australia’s student visa policies and scholarship opportunities, which have enabled them to pursue higher education abroad.
He added that both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement between their parliamentary friendship groups to enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation.
The Speaker also highlighted that the Australian Trade and Investment Commission moved its regional hub from South Africa to Nairobi in 2017, a move seen as a sign of strengthening economic relations between the two nations.
In the agricultural sector, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research is collaborating with Kenyan institutions including the Kenya Forestry Research Institute and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization to promote climate-smart agriculture and develop drought-resistant crops aimed at improving food production.
A Sh287 million land restoration project launched in February 2025 is also supporting re-greening efforts and strengthening resilient farming practices.
Ambassador Jenny Da Rin said relations between the two countries remain strong but stressed the importance of continued engagement.
“I encourage officials from both countries to maintain regular engagement for the benefit of our nations. This will strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and enhance economic cooperation,” she said.
She added that Australia remains committed to supporting Kenyan students seeking higher education opportunities in Australian universities.
According to records from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Kenya exported goods worth about $35.3 million to Australia in 2023, while imports from Australia stood at approximately $118 million.
Kenya’s exports to Australia include tea, coffee, fish products, cut flowers and hides, while imports mainly consist of wheat, grain sorghum, specialised machinery and telecommunications equipment.
