Rwanda and Kenya have signed a new government-level cooperation agreement aimed at resolving persistent challenges affecting cross-border trade, particularly the movement of goods through Kenya’s ports.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, between Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure and the Kenya Ports Authority.
Under the deal, the two governments commit to jointly addressing trade-related disputes and operational challenges that arise along the regional logistics chain, with issues now to be escalated and resolved at the state level rather than left solely to private operators.
Speaking to Umunota, the State Minister in charge of Trade and Industry said the agreement marks an important shift in how cross-border trade problems are handled.
“Today we signed a government-to-government agreement to work together in resolving challenges affecting cross-border trade, so that existing issues can be addressed at the appropriate state level,” the minister said.
The Kenya Ports Authority has operated an office in Rwanda since July 19, 2013, a move that was intended to support Rwandan importers and exporters by allowing them to access port-related services locally, without travelling to the Port of Mombasa.
According to officials, the presence of the office has helped traders reduce transport-related costs and delays, while also improving access to timely responses when challenges arise in cargo handling and clearance.
The newly signed agreement further provides for the construction of dedicated offices for the Kenya Ports Authority in Kigali, a step expected to strengthen service delivery and coordination with Rwandan authorities.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Canoth Manishimwe, who represented Rwanda at the signing ceremony, said the agreement is critical to deepening bilateral cooperation and improving transport and logistics services linked to the Port of Mombasa.
Kenya’s port infrastructure is a key gateway for several landlocked countries in the region, including Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, facilitating the import and export of goods to international markets, particularly in Europe.
Officials from both countries say the agreement is expected to enhance trade efficiency, reduce disputes, and support regional economic integration through smoother cross-border logistics.
