Kenya and Uganda have signed eight new agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, strengthening economic ties, and promoting regional integration during President Yoweri Museveni’s official visit to Nairobi.
Speaking after witnessing the signing ceremony at State House, President William Ruto stated that the agreements build on 17 existing pacts and will open new avenues for shared prosperity.
“We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity, while working together towards a stronger and integrated region,” President Ruto remarked.
President Museveni echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity, increased production, and expanded markets to unlock the economic potential of East Africa and the wider continent.
“We must leverage Africa’s abundant resources and effectively rationalize our economies. The key to Africa’s prosperity lies in increasing the production of goods and services, while also considering the market for these products,” President Museveni noted.
The new agreements encompass strategic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, fisheries, and the development of the Greater Busia Metro. They also address issues related to livestock, transport and logistics, standards and quality assurance, and investment promotion.
President Ruto explained that the transport memorandum of understanding (MoU) focuses on modernizing systems and facilitating the movement of people and goods. He informed President Museveni about the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba, and into Uganda, as well as the expansion of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway, which will also extend to Malaba.
“The MoU we have just signed provides a strong framework to support that cooperation,” he stated.
Regarding trade, both leaders acknowledged the pressing need to tackle non-tariff barriers that continue to impede regional commerce.
“We highlighted the necessity for a principled, practical, and time-bound resolution of these barriers, given their direct impact on livelihoods, particularly for farmers and small traders,” President Ruto explained.
The two leaders also agreed to expedite the resolution of shared resource challenges, including the long-standing issue of fishing around Migingo Island, and committed to finalizing a Cross-Border Resource Sharing Agreement.
The fisheries agreement will enable both nations to harness the potential of the blue economy, while the agriculture and livestock MoU is anticipated to strengthen collaboration in veterinary and crop health, thereby enhancing food security across the region.
The tourism pact aims to promote joint marketing, eco-tourism, and cultural exchange, and the mining MoU seeks to facilitate responsible resource exploitation, strengthen institutions, and combat cross-border smuggling.
President Ruto announced a significant industrial advancement:
“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 enable us to produce for export,” he said.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the East African Community integration agenda—including the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and eventual Political Federation—describing the new agreements as a significant step towards these shared objectives.
“We should prioritize market access and consumer engagement to unlock East Africa’s economic potential. With unity and collaboration, we can build a brighter and more prosperous future for our people,” said President Museveni.
