Presidents William Ruto and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have signed a partnership to elevate the relations between Kenya and Egypt and strengthen their ties to boost engagements in various fields. The two governments also signed 12 agreements that expand their cooperation into various sectors. These memoranda of understanding will strengthen trade, investment, education and research, and technological exchanges, among others, unlocking immense opportunities for the two nations and their citizens.
The agreements include political consultations, diplomatic training in capacity building in foreign service, and investment cooperation between the Kenya Investment Authority and General Authority for Investment and Free Zones of Egypt. Other memoranda cover gender equality, maritime partnerships between the Lamu Port Authority and the Alexandria Port Authority, the Red Sea Port Authority and Kenya Ports Authority, youth empowerment, higher education and scientific research, telecommunications and IT, space cooperation, governance and sustainable development, and housing, construction and urban development.
“By appending my and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s signatures, we have elevated our relationship and strengthened our ties to boost our engagements,” President Ruto said. He pointed out that this move was a significant milestone in the 60 years of Kenya-Egypt diplomatic relations, and also because his presence marked the first State Visit by a Kenyan President.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with President El-Sisi at the Headquarters of the Presidency in Cairo, Ruto said discussions were at an advanced stage to finalize critical agreements in customs cooperation, security, tourism, mining, the blue economy, sports development, and the Grant Water Agreement. “I trust that we shall swiftly conclude the pending matters and have the MoUs come into force as soon as practicable,” he said. He added that the latest developments would further reinforce the shared vision for economic transformation and sustainable development for the benefit of citizens from the two countries.
At the same time, President Ruto called for the establishment of a Joint Business Council to enhance bilateral ties and explore new trade and investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest. “We also discussed measures to eliminate trade barriers, streamline regulations, and simplify customs procedures to create a more predictable and efficient trading environment for our business communities,” the President said. By addressing challenges such as delayed payments and supply chain inefficiencies, Ruto said it would unlock economic resilience and shared prosperity.
On peace and security, President Ruto commended his Egyptian counterpart for his role in peace efforts in the Middle East, Somalia, and Sudan. “Kenya and Egypt have long collaborated in the promotion of peace and security in Africa. Our Defence Cooperation Agreement has seen over 70 Kenya Defence Forces officers undergo training in Egyptian military facilities, reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security,” he said. He went on: “We recognize that peace is the foundation of progress and must work together to advance stability, particularly in regions affected by conflicts.”
Meanwhile, President Ruto urged Egypt to support Kenya’s candidate Raila Odinga for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. “Kenya has nominated the Rt Hon Raila Odinga as our candidate for chairperson of the African Union Commission (2025–2028), and I seek Egypt’s esteemed support in ensuring strong and effective leadership at the African Union,” President Ruto pointed out.
He praised President El-Sisi for his strong leadership in promoting peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, including his tireless efforts in securing a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza. “Kenya fully supports a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and remains committed to UN Security Council Resolution 2728 of 2024, which calls for an immediate ceasefire,” the President said.
At the multilateral level, President Ruto expressed Kenya’s deep appreciation for Egypt’s support during Kenya’s tenure on the UN Security Council (2021–2022), saying that in that role, Kenya amplified Africa’s voice on global peace and security matters. During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed the need for urgent reforms within the AU to make its structures more efficient and fit for purpose. “We agreed on the importance of strengthening AU institutions and ensuring that its organs and agencies are more responsive to Africa’s needs,” President Ruto said.
He also highlighted that Egypt hosts a vibrant Kenyan diaspora community, comprising professionals, students, businesspeople, and skilled workers. “Kenya deeply values their contributions to our country’s development and appreciates the hospitality and support extended to them by the Egyptian government,” he said.
On his part, President El-Sisi said the meeting was a great opportunity to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries. “This is an opportunity that my dear brother, Ruto, and I discussed ways of enhancing our bilateral relations for the sake of economic prosperity for our people,” President El-Sisi said. He cited defense, security, water, culture, and education as some of the targeted areas of collaboration between the two countries.
President El-Sisi pointed out that the Egyptian private sector has greatly benefited from investments in agriculture, infrastructure, health, and irrigation, among others. “We also received the latest updates from the River Nile and agreed that no part should be hurt as far as the use of the water is concerned. We will have an honest conversation over the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
President Ruto was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Environment), Lee Kinyanjui (Investment, Trade, and Industry), and Eric Mugaa (Water).
– By Victor Adar
