Kenya, Egypt Reaffirm Strategic Partnership to Boost Trade, Security, and Development Cooperation
Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Egypt.
Following high-level talks with visiting Egyptian Foreign Affairs , Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty, underscored a shared agenda on trade, infrastructure, water security, and regional peace.
Speaking during a press briefing held at his Office , Mudavadi described the relationship as “long-standing and historic,” noting that diplomatic relations dating back to 1964 have evolved into a strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared African heritage, and a common responsibility for regional stability.
He recalled the elevation of ties to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership during President William Ruto’s state visit to Cairo in January 2025, where the two countries signed 12 agreements spanning trade, education, ICT, maritime affairs, housing, research, and sustainable development.
“Egypt has remained a trusted partner to Kenya across political, economic, social, defense, and security cooperation,” Mudavadi said, adding that both nations are establishing sectoral working groups to fast-track implementation of the agreements.
Focus on Trade, Investment, and Infrastructure
Both sides pledged to accelerate economic collaboration by improving the business environment and operationalizing a Kenya-Egypt Joint Business Council to unlock private-sector investment and diversify trade.
Mudavadi emphasized the need to address trade facilitation bottlenecks to enhance shared prosperity, while welcoming Egypt’s pledge of more than US$7 million in development support and expanded capacity-building in diplomacy, agriculture, and security.
Cooperation on Nile Basin and Water Security
Kenya reiterated its position that utilization of shared water resources must be equitable to all riparian states, backing dialogue-driven solutions within the Nile Basin framework.
“No party should be left worse off,” Mudavadi stated, adding that Kenya is ready to support inclusive, African-led approaches to sustainable water management.
Egypt Pledges Increased Investment and Technical Support
Abdelatty described Kenya as “a second home,” saying Cairo is keen to translate historic ties into concrete economic gains.
“Kenyan-Egyptian relations are a model of fraternity and cooperation that should characterize relations among African nations,” he said.
The minister conveyed a message from President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi reaffirming Cairo’s commitment to expanding collaboration in defense, counter-terrorism, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and the digital economy.
Egypt signaled plans to channel part of its US$14 billion investments in Africa toward Kenya, alongside joint ventures in agro-industry and manufacturing. Abdelatty noted that 64 Egyptian companies are already operating in Kenya and expressed interest in scaling up operations.
Water, Energy, and Health Partnerships
Cairo also announced a US$100 million Nile Development Fund to finance infrastructure in Nile Basin countries, with Kenya prioritized for feasibility studies and implementation of dam and irrigation projects, as well as groundwater development in arid areas.
Egypt further offered technical cooperation in renewable energy, including wind and solar generation, grid expansion, and mobile substations to improve electricity access in remote regions.
In healthcare, the two nations are exploring localization of pharmaceutical production in Kenya through technology transfer and joint manufacturing initiatives.
Shared Commitment to Peace and AU Reforms
Both ministers underscored cooperation on regional peace efforts in the Horn of Africa and support for institutional reforms within the African Union to strengthen coordination between continental and regional bodies.
“Our shared efforts aim not only to secure stability but to foster sustainable development and prosperity for our people,” Mudavadi said.
The leaders also agreed to convene a mid-term review of partnership outcomes and prepare for a planned state visit by President el-Sisi to Kenya later this year, signaling continued momentum in the growing alliance.
