Rwanda-Kenya: 11 MOUs Deepen Ties, From Trade to Energy

Rwanda and Kenya have signed 11 new MOUs (memoranda of understanding) but the latest agreements are only one part of a bilateral relationship being increasingly driven by trade, transport and logistics, energy, investment, tourism and the movement of people. The agreements were concluded during the 10th Session of the Kenya-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), held in Nairobi from October 5-6. The meeting reviewed progress since the previous session in Kigali in 2023 and identified areas where cooperation should be accelerated. The new instruments cover mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of sentenced persons, as well as political consultations, immigration, housing and urban development, diaspora management, water resources and irrigation, local governance, cooperation between Rwanda Investigation Bureau and Kenya National Police Service, culture and heritage, and conservation. Beyond the agreements, however, the expanding relationship is increasingly visible in the flow of goods, investments, petroleum products, tourists, professionals and cargo between the two countries. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines ALSO READ: Rwanda, Kenya sign 11 agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation Trade remains a major driver Trade is one of the strongest pillars of Rwanda-Kenya relations, although the balance remains heavily in Kenya's favour. Rwanda imported goods worth more than $398 million from Kenya in 2025, while its exports to Kenya stood at $5.3 million, according to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Usta Kaitesi. Kaitesi said the figures demonstrate the strength of commercial ties, but also underline the opportunity for Rwanda to expand its exports to the Kenyan market. Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'oei said the two countries should continue addressing barriers to trade, facilitating the movement of goods and services and strengthening business-to-business links. "Trade remains an important pillar of our economic relationship," he said, adding that there was "considerable scope to deepen and diversify trade" between the two countries. Both countries also cooperate through the East African Community, where regional integration and the movement of goods, services, people and capital remain central to their economic relationship. Transport and logistics deepen interdependence For Rwanda, Kenya's importance extends beyond bilateral trade. As a landlocked country, Rwanda relies heavily on the Northern Corridor for access to the Port of Mombasa, making Kenya an important partner in the movement of imports and exports. In January, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding formalising the Kenya Ports Authority liaison office in Kigali. The office is intended to provide a direct link between Rwandan stakeholders and the port authority and improve coordination of cargo moving through the Northern Corridor. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Kenya eye greater two-way trade, investment Kenya has also allocated land to Rwanda in Mombasa and Naivasha to support logistics operations. These arrangements make transport and logistics one of the most important practical links between the two economies, particularly for Rwanda's access to international markets. Energy emerges as another key link The bilateral relationship has also expanded into energy. In September, Rwanda received its first bulk shipment of refined petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa. A 40,000-tonne cargo arrived at the port on September 29 under agreements signed by the two countries in June covering the importation, transportation and storage of refined petroleum products. Rwandan High Commissioner to Kenya Ernest Rwamucyo said the arrangement would strengthen Rwanda's energy security, improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce logistics costs. "This new route through the Northern Corridor will help strengthen Rwanda's energy security, make our supply chain more efficient a

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Kenya