By Grace Gilo
Presidents William Ruto and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have signed Kenya and Egypt’s Joint Declaration for a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.
President Ruto explained that this would elevate the bilateral relations to a new level and strengthen their ties in various fields.
During the President’s visit, the two governments signed 12 agreements to broaden their collaboration across various sectors.
These Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) 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 the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones of Egypt
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.
Other agreements include youth empowerment, higher education and scientific research, telecommunication and IT, space cooperation, governance and sustainable development, and housing, construction, and urban development.
In a joint press briefing with President El-Sisi at the Presidential Headquarters in Cairo, President Ruto said discussions are at an advanced stage to finalise critical agreements in Customs Cooperation, security, tourism, mining, 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 stated.
Concurrently, President Ruto called on the need for a Joint Business Council to enhance bilateral ties and explore new trade and investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest.
Regarding peace and security, the President 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.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has 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.
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.