Rwanda and Kenya have signed 11 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in several areas, including justice, security, housing, governance, culture and environmental protection.
The agreements were signed during the 10th session of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation between the two countries, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 5 and 6, 2026.
The meeting also reviewed progress in implementing agreements reached during the previous session held in Kigali in April 2023 and set out measures to accelerate outstanding activities.
The Rwandan delegation was led by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Usta Kaitesi. She was accompanied by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Infrastructure Damien Murwanashyaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Amb. Fidelis Mironko and other officials.
Kenya’s delegation was led by Dr Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Justice and security among key areas
The 11 agreements include arrangements on legal cooperation in criminal matters, the transfer of sentenced persons, cooperation between the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the Kenya Police Service, and collaboration on immigration matters.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen political consultations and cooperation in supporting their citizens living abroad.
Other agreements cover housing and urban development, water resources management and irrigation, local government administration, culture and cultural heritage, and environmental protection.
Both sides stressed the need to accelerate implementation of previously signed agreements and conclude negotiations on those still under discussion. An updated implementation plan will continue to be used to track progress.
Cooperation on petroleum supplies advances
Rwanda and Kenya also expanded existing cooperation in the importation and supply of petroleum products, with Rwanda gaining access to refined petroleum products transported through the Northern Corridor from the Port of Mombasa.
Rwanda recently received its first shipment of 40,000 tonnes of petroleum products transported through the Port of Mombasa.
Dr Kaitesi thanked Kenya for its role in ensuring the shipment reached its destination, describing it as an important step towards strengthening Rwanda’s access to petroleum products and expanding economic cooperation.
Rwanda said it would continue working with Kenya to import petroleum products in bulk, with the aim of improving supply and distribution to the market.
The two countries also discussed plans for an East African oil refinery to be built in Lamu, Kenya. Dr Kaitesi said Rwanda supports the project, which could help improve the supply of petroleum products across the region.
Trade and investment expanded
Kenya remains one of Rwanda’s key economic partners. In 2025, Rwanda imported goods worth more than US$398 million from Kenya, while its exports to Kenya were valued at US$5.3 million.
Dr Kaitesi said the trade figures reflect strong economic ties between the two countries, while noting that there is still room to increase Rwanda’s exports to the Kenyan market.
Kenyan companies including Kenya Commercial Bank and Equity Bank have invested in Rwanda, particularly in the services sector, while Rwandan companies continue to explore opportunities to expand their operations in Kenya.
Both sides committed to making the movement of goods and services easier, increasing investment and encouraging greater cooperation between the private sectors.
Mudavadi urged relevant institutions to continue working together on product standards, compliance inspections and other processes involved in bringing goods to market.
In air transport, Kenya Airways operates two daily flights between Nairobi and Kigali. RwandAir resumed flights between Kigali and Mombasa in December 2025 after a six-year suspension and currently operates the route four times a week.
Officials said the flights are helping promote tourism, trade and investment while making travel between the two countries easier.
Other developments in bilateral cooperation highlighted by Dr Kaitesi included the removal of certain work permit fees, the introduction of the One Network Area initiative to facilitate regional telecommunications, and the rollout of Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway operations.
Rwanda and Kenya reiterated the importance of the Northern Corridor in connecting Rwanda to the Port of Mombasa and other regional markets, stressing the need to continue improving its efficiency.
Kenya gives Rwanda land, while Rwanda plans to provide a site in Kigali
As part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations, Kenya has provided Rwanda with land in Mombasa and Naivasha. Mudavadi said Rwanda had already taken possession of and fenced the plot allocated to it in Miritini, Mombasa.
Dr Kaitesi, meanwhile, said Rwanda had identified a suitable plot in Kigali that will be provided to the Kenyan Government for the construction of its embassy offices.
She said the arrangements demonstrate a relationship built on trust, mutual support and a shared commitment to finding solutions that can advance the development of both countries.
The 11th session of the Rwanda-Kenya Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation is scheduled to take place in Rwanda in 2028, with the exact dates to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
