Kenya, Egypt deepen strategic ties in trade push
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening trade, investment and strategic cooperation with Egypt following high-level talks between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty.
Speaking after hosting the Egyptian delegation in Nairobi, Mudavadi underscored the importance of strengthening economic ties by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said both countries would encourage their private sectors to leverage synergies, diversify traded products and fast-track the establishment of a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council to unlock shared prosperity.
“In our engagement, we emphasised the need to streamline trade and address trade facilitation inefficiencies to enhance economic resilience,” Mudavadi said.
Kenya and Egypt enjoy a longstanding diplomatic relationship dating back to 1964, built on shared African heritage and mutual commitment to regional stability.
Mudavadi recalled the January 2025 state visit to Cairo by President William Samoei Ruto, during which he and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.
The visit resulted in the signing of 12 agreements covering trade and investment, education and research, technology, governance, gender equality, youth empowerment, maritime affairs, ICT, space cooperation, housing, urban development and sustainable development.
Sectoral working groups have since been formed to spearhead implementation, with a Mid-Term Review planned to assess progress and refine priorities.
Mudavadi welcomed a proposed State Visit to Kenya by President El-Sisi later this year, noting Egypt’s interest in aligning it with the Africa–France Summit scheduled for Nairobi in May 2026.
On water security and Nile Basin cooperation, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s principled position that no country should be disadvantaged in the utilisation of shared water resources.
He called for African-led, inclusive dialogue within the Nile Basin Initiative framework and said Kenya stands ready to serve as an impartial facilitator.
Abdelatty announced the creation of a $100 million fund to support construction of small dams in Kenya to address water shortages for domestic use and irrigation.
Kenya also welcomed Egypt’s pledge of $7 million for high-impact development projects and targeted capacity-building in diplomacy, security, agriculture and religious leadership.
Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and security, including cooperation within the African Union Peace and Security Council and broader African Union reforms aligned with Agenda 2063.
Kenya also sought Egypt’s support for its candidates in key continental and international positions, including Judge Phoebe Okowa for the International Court of Justice.
