Bilateral trade between Kenya and Estonia is projected to rise after eight companies from the European country announced they are setting up base in the country.
This follows the establishment of a trade office in the Kenya which will facilitate public and private sector investments in Kenya and East Africa region.
Speaking during the inauguration of Enterprise Estonia, Estonia Ambassador at Large for Africa Daniel Schaer said the office will facilitate investments from agri-produce value addition, information technologies and waste water management among others while enhancing exports for Kenyan produce to European markets.
‘’Enterprise Estonia is an Estonian institution whose goal is to support Estonian enterprises to do business across the world as well as attracting foreign investment to Estonia,‘’ said Schaer.
Latest Data from the United Nations COMTRADE indicates that Kenya's total exports to Estonia in 2021 stood at Ksh 14.1 billion against imports which were valued at Ksh 176.8 million.
Under the East African Community-European Union (EAC- EU) Economic Partnership Agreement, Kenyan goods such as cut flowers and live plants, and fishing gear and equipment have had access to the Estonian market under preferential terms.
On the other hand, Estonia exports to Kenya include wheat grain, intermediate paper products, worn clothing and clothing accessories, and waste and scrap aluminium.
The eight Estonian ICT companies are eyeing new business from both the public sector and private businesses with potential to drive economic growth and improve the standard of living for the population.
“These Estonian companies are experts in developing seamless digital public services that have the potential to drive economic growth and improve the standard of living for the population. By streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility, these solutions are primed to usher in a brighter future for all," added Schaer.
The Estonian companies, including Cybernetica, Nortal, Alldevice, Digital Nation, FOB Solutions, Finbite OÜ, Wisercat Software, and ADM Interactive.
Estonian companies which currently operate in the country include ride hailing firm Bolt, Spacedrip which installed an automated water treatment and reuse system at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, while Mondo is digitising various subjects aimed at facilitating e-learning.
CoNurse App, on the other hand, is being piloted at Kenyatta National Hospital, providing voice-guided support enabling experienced nurses to conduct and remember critical, complex, and infrequent procedures.