Mudavadi assures of strong partnership with Egypt

By Fred Maingi

Kenya and Egypt have jointly assured their residents of their commitment to strengthening their bilateral ties . This follows high-level talks between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty. The Egyptian delegation is on an official visit to Nairobi.

Dr. Mudavadi described the engagement as a significant step in advancing the longstanding relationship between Kenya and the Egypt, a partnership dating back to 1964 and anchored in shared African heritage, mutual respect, and a collective responsibility for regional peace and development.

The talks build on momentum generated during the January 2025 State Visit to Cairo by William Ruto, where he and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. During that visit, the two nations signed 12 agreements spanning trade and investment, education, research, governance, youth empowerment, ICT, maritime affairs, space cooperation, housing, and sustainable development.

Dr. Mudavadi commended progress made by ministries and agencies in operationalising the agreements through sectoral working groups and confirmed that both countries will soon undertake a mid-term review to assess implementation and refine priorities.

Kenya is also preparing to host President el-Sisi for a State Visit later this year, with discussions underway on potentially aligning the trip with the upcoming Africa–France Summit scheduled for May 2026 in Nairobi.Boosting Trade and InvestmentOn economic cooperation, the two leaders emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for businesses and accelerate the establishment of a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council. They called for streamlined trade processes, removal of bottlenecks, and diversification of traded products to enhance economic resilience and shared prosperity.

Water security and management of shared resources featured prominently in the discussions. Kenya reiterated its principled position that no country should be left worse off in the utilisation of shared water resources and advocated for African-led, inclusive dialogue under the Nile Basin Initiative framework.

Nairobi also acknowledged Egypt’s position articulated during the 33rd Nile Council of Ministers meeting in Bujumbura in December 2025 and expressed readiness to serve as an impartial facilitator in advancing sustainable Nile Basin cooperation.

Development and Capacity BuildingKenya welcomed Egypt’s pledge of USD 7 million toward high-impact development projects and its offer of targeted capacity-building support in diplomacy, agriculture, security, and religious leadership. Consultations are ongoing to finalise implementation modalities.

Peace, Security and AU ReformThe leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and across the continent, recognising security as a cornerstone of economic growth and societal well-being.

Kenya expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in the African Union Peace and Security Council and its contributions to regional conflict resolution efforts.On African Union reform, Kenya — serving as Champion of AU Institutional Reform — underscored the need for a more effective, unified, and financially sustainable African Union aligned with Agenda 2063.

Both sides agreed on the urgency of concluding outstanding reform priorities and clarifying the division of responsibilities between the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Member States.Kenya also presented its candidatures for key continental and international positions and sought Egypt’s continued support in multilateral processes.

Concluding the visit, Dr. Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening its Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with Egypt, describing it as a vital platform for advancing regional stability, economic transformation, and African-led solutions to shared challenges.The visit signals renewed diplomatic momentum between Nairobi and Cairo.