President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining and deepening its strong bilateral relationship with Uganda following the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with President Yoweri Museveni.
The agreements were signed during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, marking a renewed focus on enhancing cooperation across key socio-economic sectors.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto emphasized the mutual goal of bolstering partnership efforts to drive regional development and economic growth.
“Kenya and Uganda remain steadfast in their pursuit of strengthened collaboration that benefits our people and economies,” he said.
The eight MOUs cover a wide range of sectors including mining, transport, quality assurance, agriculture, fisheries, urban development, tourism, and trade.
These agreements are expected to pave the way for greater cooperation and integration in these critical areas.
President Ruto highlighted the urgent need to tackle persistent non-tariff barriers that continue to disrupt the smooth flow of goods across borders, adversely affecting livelihoods and trade in the region.
“We are committed to removing these obstacles to facilitate easier movement of commodities and enhance economic activities,” he stated.
One major infrastructure project agreed upon is the enhancement of the transport corridor linking Kenya to the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This includes an extension of the railway line from Naivasha, with construction expected to commence by the end of this year.
The initiative aims to improve regional connectivity and trade efficiency.
In addition, President Ruto revealed plans for urban development centered around the Greater Busia metropolitan area, a key cross-border hub shared between Kenya and Uganda.
The project, slated for completion by 2028, will involve significant infrastructure upgrades and market expansion to foster economic growth in the region.
The two nations also agreed to jointly explore mineral resources while addressing cross-border smuggling challenges through coordinated efforts.
This cooperation seeks to maximize the economic potential of their mineral wealth while promoting legal and sustainable exploitation.
Other areas of focus include capacity building in the blue economy to harness opportunities in fisheries and water resources, as well as initiatives to boost food security by strengthening the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the tourism sector will be enhanced through cultural exchanges and promotion of eco-tourism, aiming to attract more visitors and generate revenue for both countries.
President Ruto’s address underscored the spirit of partnership and mutual benefit that defines Kenya-Uganda relations.
As the two countries move forward with these agreements, regional integration and economic resilience are set to gain a significant boost.
The signing ceremony marks a pivotal moment in East African cooperation, with both leaders expressing optimism about the positive impact these collaborations will have on their peoples’ lives.
East African Transporters Threaten Mass Action Over Tanzania’s Ban On Foreign Workers
