Ruto Signs 12 MOUs With Egypt

President William Ruto has strengthened bilateral ties between Kenya and Egypt by signing 12 new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the North African nation.

Ruto, alongside President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, held a joint press briefing at the Presidential Headquarters in Cairo, where they announced the conclusion of the 12 MoUs, which build upon four agreements reached in 2024.

The President emphasised that the new agreements mark an important step in expanding cooperation between the two countries, following productive negotiations at the 7th session of the Kenya-Egypt Joint Commission for Cooperation in Nairobi in 2024.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that both our countries are committed to elevating our relationship to a strategic and comprehensive partnership that will bring greater opportunities to our people,” Ruto said.

Among the 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the two heads of state were agreements on trade, investment, education and research, and technological exchanges.

Additional areas of cooperation included political consultations, diplomatic training, capacity building in foreign service, and investment cooperation.

The MoUs also covered gender equality, maritime partnerships, youth empowerment, higher education and scientific research, telecommunications and IT, space cooperation, governance, sustainable development, and housing, construction, and urban development.

On maritime partnerships, both the Kenya Ports Authority and the Lamu Port Authority could benefit from collaborations with the Alexandria Port Authority, which handles about 60% of Egypt’s foreign trade.

In his address, President Ruto noted that the agreements were nearing completion, with the MoUs set to take effect soon.

“I trust that we shall swiftly conclude the remaining matters and have the MoUs come into force as soon as practicable. These agreements will further reinforce our shared vision for economic transformation and sustainable development, benefiting our people,” President Ruto added.

In addition, Ruto proposed the establishment of a Joint Business Council to strengthen business relations and enhance bilateral ties between the two nations.

Previously, Kenya and Egypt signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), in Trade and Investments, Agriculture, Tourism, Energy and Infrastructure development.