Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed seven new cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening their diplomatic, economic, and security ties. The agreements, formalised during a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, were witnessed by President William Ruto and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The new pacts come just months after both nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi, marking a deepening of bilateral relations across key sectors. President Ruto underscored the importance of these agreements in enhancing mutual cooperation and delivering on the ambitions of the CEPA.
“We are focused on deepening diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and delivering on our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to ensure we strengthen economic collaboration for the mutual benefit of our two nations,” said President Ruto. He further emphasized the need for joint security efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Among the seven memoranda of understanding, energy was a major focus, particularly the advancement of renewable energy projects. Both nations aim to collaborate on wind, solar, and geothermal energy initiatives while also enhancing technical capacity and technology transfer to support Kenya’s clean energy transition.
In transport, the two countries agreed on a framework to collaborate on rail, road, and aviation infrastructure. This includes joint feasibility studies, investment in modern infrastructure, and enhancing regulatory alignment for safer, more efficient transport systems.
On customs and border control, the agreement seeks to enhance law enforcement cooperation, curb illicit trade, streamline procedures, and improve information sharing, ultimately strengthening both countries’ economic security.
A significant business milestone was the establishment of the Kenya-UAE Joint Business Council. This platform will promote deeper trade and investment links and offer policy recommendations to both governments.
Additionally, the Kenya Railways Corporation and the UAE’s Etihad Rail Company signed a cooperation agreement focused on enhancing Kenya’s railway sector through knowledge exchange and innovation.
A military cooperation agreement was also signed, aimed at strengthening national defence, institutional partnerships, and regional peacekeeping efforts.
These agreements mark a new chapter in Kenya-UAE relations, promising wide-ranging benefits across economic, security, and infrastructure domains.
