- Kenya and Uganda have signed eight new agreements to deepen bilateral ties.
- The deals cover transport, agriculture, tourism, mining, livestock, and more.
- A major joint steel factory will be established to serve the region.
- Both countries are addressing cross-border issues, including Migingo.
- Non-tariff trade barriers and regional integration were key discussion points.
Kenya and Uganda have signed eight fresh Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation during President Yoweri Museveni’s official state visit to Nairobi.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto said the new deals will complement 17 existing agreements and promote economic growth and mutual development.
“We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity, while working together towards a stronger and integrated region,” said President Ruto.
The new agreements touch on key sectors including: Tourism, Fisheries, Livestock, Agriculture and logistics, Standards and quality assurance, Investment promotion
They also support the development of the Greater Busia Metro.
President Ruto revealed that the transport MoU aims to modernise logistics and ease the movement of goods and people. He also updated President Museveni on Kenya’s plan to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba and into Uganda, as well as the expansion of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road.
In agriculture and livestock, the deal is expected to boost cooperation in veterinary services and crop health, enhancing regional food security.
On trade, President Ruto expressed concern over ongoing non-tariff barriers affecting small traders and farmers, stressing the need for practical and time-bound solutions.
“We emphasised the need for a principled, practical, and time-bound resolution of these barriers, given their direct impact on livelihoods,” he said.
A separate fisheries MoU will help Kenya and Uganda tap into the blue economy’s potential, while the mining agreement focuses on curbing mineral smuggling and encouraging responsible exploitation.
On standards, the partnership will strengthen collaboration between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to reduce the flow of substandard and illicit goods.
Ruto also said the two nations are addressing the long-standing Migingo Island dispute and negotiating a Cross-Border Resource Sharing Agreement to be concluded soon.
In a landmark move, Ruto announced a major industrial initiative:
“Kenya and Uganda have agreed to establish the largest steel factory in the region. This joint project will reduce our reliance on steel imports and allow us to produce for export.”
President Museveni backed the push for African market consolidation, noting that the U.S. thrived due to its unified domestic market. He said East Africa must strengthen its own production and trade structures.
He also confirmed Uganda’s readiness to resolve the Migingo issue through cooperation.
The new agreements mark a significant step toward stronger Kenya-Uganda relations. From transport to trade, and agriculture to industry, the shared vision between the two presidents is geared toward unlocking regional potential and improving livelihoods across borders.
