Nairobi, Kenya — Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Egypt following high-level bilateral talks in Nairobi with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Dr. Mudavadi described Dr. Abdelatty’s official visit as a defining moment in consolidating a historic partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared African identity, and a collective responsibility for regional stability and prosperity.
Historic Ties Strengthened
Kenya and Egypt established diplomatic relations in 1964, laying the foundation for a steadily expanding partnership spanning political cooperation, trade and investment, defence, security, education, and socio-economic development. Over the decades, Cairo has remained a trusted strategic partner to Nairobi across multiple sectors of mutual interest.
Dr. Mudavadi recalled the landmark State Visit to Cairo in January 2025 by William Ruto, during which he and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.
The visit culminated in the signing of twelve far-reaching agreements covering:
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Trade and investment
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Education and research
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Governance and gender equality
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Youth empowerment
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Maritime affairs
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Telecommunications and ICT
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Space cooperation
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Housing and urban development
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Sustainable development
Both governments have since activated sectoral working groups to accelerate implementation, with a mid-term review planned to evaluate progress and recalibrate priorities.
Trade and Investment in Focus
The two sides underscored the importance of deepening economic collaboration through a predictable and enabling business environment. They encouraged private sector players to leverage comparative advantages, diversify export portfolios, and fast-track the establishment of a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council.
Emphasis was also placed on streamlining trade procedures and eliminating bottlenecks that undermine commercial efficiency, with the broader goal of unlocking economic resilience and shared prosperity.
Nile Basin Cooperation and Water Security
On water security, Kenya reaffirmed its principled stance that utilisation of shared transboundary water resources must not disadvantage any riparian state. Nairobi continues to champion African-led, inclusive, and dialogue-driven engagement within the Nile Basin framework.
Kenya acknowledged Egypt’s position articulated during the 33rd Nile Council of Ministers meeting in Bujumbura in December 2025, which called for cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect. Nairobi expressed readiness to act as an impartial facilitator in advancing sustainable and cooperative Nile Basin management.
Development Support and Capacity Building
Kenya welcomed Egypt’s pledge of USD 7 million toward high-impact development initiatives, alongside offers of targeted capacity-building support in diplomacy, security, agriculture, and religious leadership. Consultations are ongoing to finalise implementation modalities and ensure measurable outcomes.
Peace and Security Cooperation
The discussions reinforced peace and security as indispensable pillars of sustainable growth. Kenya commended Egypt’s constructive engagement within the African Union Peace and Security Council, noting its contributions to conflict resolution and regional stability.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa, recognising that enduring stability is foundational to economic transformation and social advancement.
African Union Reform and Multilateral Cooperation
As Champion of African Union Institutional Reform, Kenya reiterated its resolve to advance a more efficient, unified, and financially sustainable continental body aligned with Agenda 2063. The ministers acknowledged the urgency of concluding outstanding reform priorities, including restructuring AU organs and clarifying the division of labour between the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Member States.
Kenya also presented its candidatures for key continental and international positions, including:
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Judge Phoebe Okowa — International Court of Justice
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Ms. Nkatha Murungi — African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
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Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana — African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (re-election bid)
Nairobi expressed appreciation for Egypt’s continued engagement and cooperation in multilateral processes.
Kenya anticipates a proposed State Visit to Nairobi later this year by President el-Sisi, with discussions underway on aligning the visit with the Africa–France Summit scheduled for May 2026.
Reaffirming Kenya’s foreign policy posture, Dr. Mudavadi emphasised that the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between Nairobi and Cairo remains a vital platform for advancing regional stability, economic expansion, and African-led solutions to continental challenges.
The visit marks a significant stride in fortifying diplomatic trust and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.
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