Rwanda and Kenya are looking to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, investment and infrastructure as the two countries seek to strengthen economic ties and support development across East Africa.
The commitment was reaffirmed on October 5, 2026, in Nairobi, where the two countries opened the 10th session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC).
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ernest Rwamucyo, said the meeting provides an opportunity to assess progress made so far and agree on new measures to make bilateral cooperation more effective.
Rwanda and Kenya have maintained diplomatic relations since 1965, with the JPCC serving as an important platform for expanding cooperation between the two countries.
Energy is among the key areas under discussion, particularly cooperation in importing petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa, which provides Rwanda, a landlocked country, with an important route for accessing fuel supplies.
Teta Gisa, Director General for Africa Cooperation at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the priority should be to turn agreements and decisions reached through the JPCC into tangible benefits for citizens.
“This 10th JPCC session gives us an important opportunity to move beyond simply reviewing what has been achieved and ensure that our commitments translate into tangible results for the people of Rwanda and Kenya,” she said.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr A. Korir Sing’oei, said closer cooperation between the two countries contributes to strengthening regional unity and resilience.
He said a stronger East African region would enable member states to advance shared priorities while giving the region a stronger voice in international affairs.
On the economic front, Sing’oei said Kenya wants to expand trade and investment with Rwanda. Rwanda has also increased its investment presence in Kenya, including through its acquisition of shares in Kenya Pipeline Company.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, said relations between the two countries are built on trust, shared interests and a common commitment to trade, investment and infrastructure development.
She expressed confidence that the JPCC meeting would help strengthen bilateral relations and accelerate regional economic development.
Rwanda and Kenya have in recent months taken steps to expand cooperation in the energy sector. On June 29, 2026, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at facilitating the importation of petroleum products through the Northern Corridor.
On September 29, Rwanda received its first shipment of 40,000 tonnes of refined petroleum products under the arrangement. The consignment was transported by the vessel MT Sea Wolf as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with Kenya and ensure a more reliable supply of petroleum products to the Rwandan market.
