Kenya and Egypt Elevate Ties: Strategic Partnership Moves Forward as Cairo Pledges $7 Million for Development in Kenya

By Wilson Amondo 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hosts Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Nairobi, signalling deepening cooperation between the two nations
Kenya and Egypt have taken significant steps to operationalise their Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, with Cairo pledging USD 7 million toward high-impact development projects and both nations moving to implement 12 bilateral agreements signed in January 2025.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, received his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, in Nairobi today for talks that reinforced the historic ties between the two countries.

“Kenya values its longstanding and historic relationship with the Arab Republic of Egypt, a partnership founded on mutual respect, shared African heritage, and a common responsibility for regional stability and progress,” said Mudavadi.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, Egypt has remained a trusted partner to Kenya across political, economic, social, defense, and security cooperation.”

Strategic Partnership Gains Momentum
The two ministers reviewed progress since the State Visit by President William Ruto to Cairo in January 2025, when he and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed to elevate relations to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

During that visit, the two governments signed 12 bilateral agreements expanding cooperation across trade, investment, education, research, technology, governance, gender equality, youth empowerment, maritime affairs, telecommunications, ICT, space cooperation, housing, urban development, and sustainable development.

Mudavadi commended the progress made by respective ministries, departments, and agencies in establishing sectoral working groups to spearhead implementation.

To ensure sustained momentum, the two countries will hold a Mid-Term Review to assess progress, identify challenges, and refine strategic priorities.

The ministers also discussed a proposed State Visit by President El-Sisi to Kenya later this year. Kenya has noted Egypt’s interest in aligning this visit with the Africa–France Summit scheduled for Nairobi in May 2026 and remains open to constructive engagement on the proposal.

Trade and Investment Take Centre Stage
Mudavadi and Abdelatty underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

They encouraged private sectors in both countries to leverage synergies, diversify traded products, and fast-track the establishment of a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council.

In their engagement, the ministers emphasised the need to streamline trade and address various trade facilitation inefficiencies to unlock economic resilience and shared prosperity.

Egypt Pledges $7 Million for Development
Kenya appreciates Egypt’s pledge of USD 7 million toward high-impact development projects, as well as Cairo’s offer of targeted capacity-building support in diplomacy, security, agriculture, and religious leadership. Consultations are ongoing to finalise implementation modalities.

Water Security and Nile Basin Cooperation
On water security, Kenya reaffirmed its principled position that no party should be left worse off in the utilisation of shared water resources.

The country continues to advocate for African-led, inclusive, and dialogue-based approaches within the Nile Basin Initiative framework.

Mudavadi acknowledged Egypt’s position as articulated during the 33rd Nile Council of Ministers held in Bujumbura in December 2025, which calls for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Kenya stands ready to serve as an impartial facilitator to advance cooperative and sustainable Nile Basin management.

Peace and Security Commitments
The two ministers underscored their mutual commitment to peace and security, affirming the fundamental role of stability in fostering robust economic growth and societal well-being.

They appreciated ongoing peace and security efforts in their regions and stand ready to collaborate closely with international partners to address shared challenges and promote regional stability.

Kenya appreciates Egypt’s role in the African Union Peace and Security Council, through which Egypt has made significant contributions to promoting peace, stability, and conflict resolution.

Egypt’s active participation reflects a strong commitment to fostering regional cooperation and security.The ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to supporting peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa.

Their shared efforts aim not only to secure stability but also to foster sustainable development and prosperity for their people.

Kenya Presents Candidatures for Key Positions
On African Union reform and multilateral coordination, Kenya, as Champion of African Union Institutional Reform, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a more effective, unified, and financially sustainable African Union aligned with Agenda 2063.

The two nations agreed on the urgency of concluding outstanding reform priorities, including restructuring remaining AU organs and clarifying the division of labour between the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Member States.

Mudavadi presented Kenya’s candidatures for key continental and international positions, including:· Judge Phoebe Okowa for the International Court of Justice (2027–2036)· Ms. Nkatha Murungi for the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (2026–2031)· Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana for re-election to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (2026–2029)Kenya values Egypt’s continued engagement and cooperation in these multilateral processes.

Looking Ahead “Kenya remains firmly committed to advancing our Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with Egypt as a platform for regional stability, economic growth, and African-led solutions,” said Mudavadi.

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