Kenya and Egypt are moving to turn their Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership into practical results following high-level talks in Nairobi.
The discussions build on the January 2025 summit between President William Ruto and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and aim to expand trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
The consultations brought together Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
The meeting signaled a shift from diplomatic dialogue toward coordinated implementation of previously agreed initiatives.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Monday, Mudavadi highlighted the need for tangible outcomes.
“Kenya and Egypt share a long-standing relationship anchored in mutual respect and African solidarity. We are now focused on translating our Strategic Partnership into tangible outcomes that expand trade, strengthen industrial capacity and promote regional stability,” he said.
Bilateral trade between the two nations reached around $567 million (Sh73.24 billion) in 2024, a figure both governments say is below potential considering the size and complementarity of their economies.
To bridge this gap, the Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council is being fast-tracked to streamline customs processes, address non-tariff barriers, and enhance private sector engagement.
Egypt has expressed readiness to direct part of its estimated $14 billion (Sh1.81 trillion) African investment portfolio toward Kenya. Proposed projects in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and renewable energy are expected to position Kenya as a commercial hub in East Africa while expanding Egypt’s regional footprint.
Abdelatty emphasized Cairo’s commitment to strengthening economic ties, stating, “Egypt views Kenya as a strategic partner in East Africa. We are committed to enhancing investment flows, strengthening energy cooperation and working closely within the African Union to advance peace, development and institutional reform across the continent.”
Energy cooperation is a key focus, with Egypt proposing mobile substations and technical support for wind and solar power to accelerate electrification in underserved areas. I
ndustrial collaboration is also progressing through a planned “fill and finish” pharmaceutical technology transfer initiative, which aims to boost Kenya’s domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
On regional and multilateral matters, both countries are coordinating positions within the African Union, particularly regarding institutional reform and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Regarding Nile Basin governance, Mudavadi stressed fairness in resource use, saying, “the utilization of shared water resources must be guided by equity and mutual benefit, ensuring that no riparian state is disadvantaged.” Egypt is also launching a $100 million (Sh12.92 billion) Nile Development Fund to support infrastructure projects across basin states.
