President William Ruto on Wednesday signed eight bilateral agreements with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Nairobi, affirming Kenya’s commitment to deepen cooperation with its western neighbor. Speaking at State House after the signing ceremony, President Ruto said the new agreements are designed to strengthen economic and infrastructure links between the two countries. The signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) cover mining, trade, agriculture, fisheries, transport, tourism, urban development, and quality assurance.
“These agreements mark another milestone in our shared vision for deeper integration and mutual prosperity,” President Ruto said. “Kenya and Uganda are bound by geography, culture, and history and now more than ever, by a common economic destiny.”
Among the key priorities is the removal of non-tariff barriers that have disrupted cross-border trade. President Ruto said such obstacles have harmed businesses, distorted prices, and slowed regional growth. “We must address these hurdles decisively to unlock trade potential across our borders,” Ruto stated.
The two leaders also agreed to upgrade the transport corridor linking Kenya to the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ruto confirmed that the long-stalled Naivasha railway extension is set to begin before the end of 2025, enhancing cargo movement deeper into the region.
Urban development featured prominently, with both governments planning to launch the Busia metro project. This cross-border initiative will involve market expansion and infrastructure upgrades in the Busia area, a key trade hub shared between the two nations.
President Ruto and Museveni also committed to joint mineral exploration to curb illegal extraction and smuggling, especially along the porous border regions. “We intend to manage our resources better and stop the loss of revenue through unchecked smuggling,” Ruto said.
In agriculture, the leaders outlined plans to support farmers with knowledge and tools to improve food production and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks. They also pledged to develop blue economy initiatives through training and joint research, particularly in fisheries.
Tourism will benefit from enhanced cultural exchanges and eco-tourism programs, aimed at attracting regional and international visitors to shared heritage sites and natural attractions.
President Museveni, who has long called for stronger economic integration in East Africa, echoed Ruto’s message of unity and emphasized that both countries must take the lead in opening regional markets.
The agreements are expected to set the tone for deeper East African Community (EAC) collaboration, particularly in shared infrastructure projects and harmonized trade regulations.
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