Trade, investment and tourism new frontiers for future collaboration between Kenya and Egypt, Mudavadi says
He noted that the 62 years of flourishing diplomatic relations between Kenya and Egypt have continuously enriched the citizen-to-citizen relations while cementing the cordial and longstanding partnerships between the two nations
Kenya and Egypt are working to increase their trade and investment partnership, as evidenced by recent high-level discussions and agreements.
These efforts aim to strengthen bilateral relations, boost trade volumes, and foster economic growth in both nations, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.
“Trade between Kenya and Egypt has been on an upward trajectory, with the total trade volume estimated at between 600 million and 700 million US Dollars in 2025. Notably, Egypt is Kenya’s second largest tea market in the world.” he added.
Mudavadi said the signing of a joint declaration for a strategic and comprehensive partnership between Presidents William Ruto and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi early this year was a major milestone in further deepening the collaboration between the two nations.
“The State Visit by President Ruto to Egypt in January 2025 was historic, marking the first State Visit by a Kenyan President to Egypt. Our two Heads of State made a commitment when they jointly witnessed the signing of 12 Memoranda of Understanding in various fields.” noted the Prime CS.
Mudavadi was speaking when he graced Egypt’s national day celebrations at the residence of the Egyptian Ambassador to Kenya Wael Nasreldin Attiya in Nairobi, a celebration that marked the 105th anniversary of Egypt’s independence.
While congratulating President el-Sisi and the people of Egypt on behalf of President Ruto, Mudavadi said the country’s triumph over colonialism serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom, though difficult, is necessary and achievable.
He noted that the 62 years of flourishing diplomatic relations between Kenya and Egypt have continuously enriched the citizen-to-citizen relations while cementing the cordial and longstanding partnerships between the two nations.
“Our mission in Cairo is Kenya’s second diplomatic post to be established abroad. This milestone reflects the depth of our historical, cultural, and economic bonds, as well as our shared commitment to cooperation and mutual prosperity.” he said.
“Kenya is home to several Egyptian businesses, while Egypt hosts a vibrant Kenyan diaspora community, comprising professionals, students, businesspeople and skilled workers” added Mudavadi.
“Our imports from Kenya amounts to almost 14 per cent of the total exports of Kenyan tea. On the Investment side a number of new Egyptian investments are flocking Kenya. With 76 Egyptian companies now registered with Kenya Invest,” Wael Nasreldin Attiya, the Egyptian Ambassador, said.
Mudavadi also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, pointed out Egypt as Kenya’s strategic partner in the region notably in the cooperation within the fields of Education, research & Technical Training, Health, Agriculture & Food Security, Tourism & Culture, and people-to-people exchanges among others.
According to the Prime CS, Kenya is working towards actualizing the 12 memoranda signed in January 2025 which span across political consultations, Diplomatic Training & Capacity Building in Foreign Service and Investment Cooperation.
Other memoranda are Gender Equality, Maritime Partnerships between the Lamu Port Authority and the Alexandria Port Authority, Red Sea Port Authority and Kenya Ports Authority.
Youth Empowerment, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Telecommunication and IT, Space Cooperation, Governance and Sustainable Development, and Housing, Construction and Urban Development are the other agreements aimed at unlocking immense opportunities for the two nations and their citizens.
“Kenya and Egypt’s active participation in regional frameworks such as Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) reflect our commitment to advancing economic integration and boosting intra-African trade in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said Mudavadi.
“The Commercial International Bank (CIB) is Egypt’s largest private bank and it now operates seven branches in Kenya under its own branch name CIB-Kenya, reflecting the political will to intensify and further deepen economic and commercial ties with Kenya and the commitment to support Kenya’s development plans.” noted Attiya.
Mudavadi also acknowledged that Kenya and Egypt remain steadfast in supporting multilateral efforts to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and the Sahel.
He said this is achievable through active participation in the African Union led missions, and in close collaboration with the United Nations in championing for African-led solutions to African challenges.
The celebrations were also used to bid farewell to Attiya, who is concluding his tour of duty.
Mudavadi conveyed his sincere appreciation to the outgoing Ambassador lauding him as a friend to Kenya whom during his tenure he played a pivotal role in deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kenya and Egypt.
“Under Ambassador Attiya’s stewardship, we witnessed the successful State Visit of His Excellency President William Ruto to Egypt in January 2025. He also oversaw the convening of the 7th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Nairobi in March 2024,” Mudavadi remarked.
He said Attiya distinguished himself as a dedicated champion of economic diplomacy and further under his leadership, business engagements between Kenya and Egypt grew significantly, as exemplified by the successful Kenya–Egypt Business Forum held alongside the Joint Commission for Cooperation in March 2024.
