Rwanda and Kenya widened their bilateral cooperation through 11 new agreements covering justice, security, trade infrastructure and social development.
The agreements were concluded under the 10th Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation and covered areas including immigration local governance, irrigation and water resources, environmental conservation, housing and urban development, culture and heritage and justice.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in defence and security agriculture tourism ICT education health and private sector engagement.
Rwanda’s delegation was led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Usta Kaitesi while Kenya’s side was headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
The two governments said the next stage would focus on implementation rather than simply signing new commitments.
Technical committees were assigned to follow progress on the agreements with a mid-term review expected before the next session of the joint commission.
Trade was one of the main areas highlighted during the discussions.
Kaitesi said Rwanda imported goods worth more than $398 million from Kenya in 2025 while exports to the Kenyan market stood at about $5.3 million. She pointed to the figures as evidence that there was still room to expand bilateral trade and investment.
Both countries agreed to support easier movement of goods, services, people and capital while encouraging greater participation by businesses and investors.
The Northern Corridor also remained an important part of the discussions because of its role in connecting Rwanda to the Port of Mombasa through Uganda and Kenya.
Mudavadi referred to Rwanda’s first government-backed 40,000-tonne petroleum shipment through Mombasa as one example of growing economic cooperation and stronger regional supply links between the two countries.
The two sides also identified transport and logistics infrastructure tourism ICT agriculture education health and energy among areas where cooperation could be expanded.
Kenya additionally expressed interest in stronger cooperation with Rwanda in technology artificial intelligence, renewable energy water transport, food security innovation and skills development.
The agreements also strengthened cooperation between institutions responsible for justice security and public administration while providing a broader framework for cooperation between the two governments.
Rwanda and Kenya further reaffirmed their commitment to regional integration through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The two countries agreed that implementation would be reviewed before the next Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation which Rwanda is expected to host in 2028.
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