Kenya–Egypt Relations Enter New Era of Strategic Cooperation

Diplomatic Relations Elevated to Strategic Partnership

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer

Kenya and Egypt reaffirmed their historic ties, dating back to 1964, by emphasizing the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership agreed upon during President William Ruto’s State Visit to Cairo in January 2025. The partnership spans trade, education, ICT, maritime affairs, housing, and sustainable development, with twelve bilateral agreements already signed.

Trade and Investment: Joint Business Council in the Works

Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon, Musalia Mudavadi and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses. Plans are underway to establish a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council to diversify trade, streamline facilitation, and unlock shared prosperity.

 Water Security: Kenya’s Neutral Role in Nile Basin Dialogue

Kenya reaffirmed its principled stance on equitable use of shared water resources, advocating for African-led dialogue under the Nile Basin Initiative. Nairobi expressed readiness to act as an impartial facilitator, acknowledging Egypt’s position articulated at the 33rd Nile Council of Ministers in December 2025.

Development Cooperation: Egypt’s $7 Million Pledge

Egypt pledged USD 7 million toward high-impact development projects in Kenya, alongside capacity-building support in diplomacy, agriculture, security, and religious leadership. Consultations are ongoing to finalize implementation modalities.

 Peace and Security: Joint Commitment to Regional Stability

Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to peace in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Kenya lauded Egypt’s contributions through the African Union Peace and Security Council, highlighting shared efforts to foster stability and sustainable development.

African Union Reform: Shared Vision for Agenda 2063

Kenya, as Champion of AU Institutional Reform, emphasized the urgency of restructuring AU organs and clarifying the division of labour among h for these reforms, aligning with the vision of a stronger, financially sustainable Union.

Kenya’s Continental and Global Candidatures

Kenya presented candidatures for key positions, including Judge Phoebe Okowa for the International Court of Justice, Ms. Nkatha Murungi for the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana for re-election to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Egypt’s support was welcomed as part of multilateral cooperation.

 Upcoming State Visit and Africa–France Summit

Speaking during the brief Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty emphasizes the good codial relations between the two countries as  President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is expected to make a State Visit to Kenya later in 2026, potentially aligned with the Africa–France Summit scheduled for May in Nairobi. This visit is anticipated to further cement bilateral ties and showcase Kenya’s growing role in continental diplomacy.