KENYA, EGYPT DEEPEN STRATEGIC TIES AS CAIRO PLEDGES $7 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
Nairobi.
Kenya and the Egypt have moved to operationalise their Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, with Cairo pledging USD 7 million for high-impact development projects and both countries advancing the implementation of 12 bilateral agreements signed last year.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on Monday hosted Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Nairobi, signalling renewed momentum in relations between the two nations.
Mudavadi described Egypt as a longstanding and trusted partner since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964, noting that cooperation has spanned political, economic, social, defence and security sectors.
Strategic Partnership Gains Traction
The talks reviewed progress made since President William Ruto paid a State Visit to Cairo in January 2025, where he and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.
During that visit, the two governments signed 12 agreements covering trade, investment, education, research, technology, governance, gender equality, youth empowerment, maritime affairs, telecommunications, ICT, space cooperation, housing, urban development and sustainable development.
Mudavadi said sectoral working groups established by various ministries and agencies are spearheading implementation, with a Mid-Term Review planned to assess progress, address challenges and refine priorities.
The ministers also discussed a possible State Visit to Kenya by President El-Sisi later this year, potentially aligned with the upcoming Africa–France Summit scheduled for Nairobi in May 2026.
Trade, Investment in Focus
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides emphasising the need to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The ministers encouraged private sector players to diversify traded products and fast-track the establishment of a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council. They also underscored the importance of streamlining trade processes and addressing facilitation bottlenecks to unlock greater economic resilience and shared prosperity.
$7 Million Development Boost
Kenya welcomed Egypt’s pledge of USD 7 million to support high-impact development initiatives, alongside Cairo’s offer of capacity-building assistance in diplomacy, security, agriculture and religious leadership. Consultations are ongoing to finalise the modalities for implementation.
Water Security and Nile Cooperation
On water security, Kenya reaffirmed its position that the utilisation of shared water resources should not leave any party worse off. Nairobi continues to advocate for African-led, inclusive dialogue within the framework of the Nile Basin Initiative.
Mudavadi acknowledged Egypt’s call for cooperation and mutual respect, as articulated during the 33rd Nile Council of Ministers meeting in Bujumbura in December 2025, and reiterated Kenya’s readiness to serve as an impartial facilitator in advancing sustainable Nile Basin management.
Peace, Security and AU Reform
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, recognising security as a cornerstone for economic growth and societal well-being. Kenya also commended Egypt’s role in the African Union Peace and Security Council, where Cairo has contributed to conflict resolution and regional stability efforts.
On continental reform, Kenya reiterated its role as Champion of African Union Institutional Reform and called for urgent conclusion of outstanding priorities, including restructuring remaining organs and clarifying the division of labour between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and Member States.
Mudavadi also presented Kenya’s candidatures for key continental and international positions, seeking Egypt’s support in ongoing multilateral processes.
“Kenya remains firmly committed to advancing our Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with Egypt as a platform for regional stability, economic growth, and African-led solutions,” Mudavadi said.