By Dean Lubowa Saava
Deep State politics
Regional News
Kenya has signed eight agreements with Uganda to boost bilateral cooperation during President Yoweri Museveni’s official visit. Speaking at State House Nairobi after witnessing the signing of the memorandum of understanding with President Museveni on Wednesday, President William Ruto said the new agreements will build on 17 existing agreements and strengthen ties between the two countries, driving economic development.
He noted that the agreements will foster people-to-people ties and ensure the relationship between the two countries provides real benefits for both nations. The MoUs cover key sectors such as tourism, development of the Greater Busia Metro, mining, fisheries, and agriculture.
Other agreements are in livestock, transport, standards and quality assurance, and investment promotion. “We are united in our commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering shared prosperity while working together towards a stronger and more integrated region,” he said.
President Ruto explained that the MoU on transport and logistics aims to modernize transport systems and improve the movement of people and goods. He briefed President Museveni on the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba and into Uganda, as well as the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road, which is expected to reach Malaba and continue into Uganda. “The MoU we have just signed provides a strong framework to support that cooperation,” he said.
On standards and quality assurance, President Ruto said the agreement would strengthen collaboration between the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
“The aim is to enhance trade and eliminate illicit or sub-standard goods in both countries,” he added. President Ruto also mentioned that the MoU on agriculture and livestock will deepen cooperation in veterinary services and crop health, supporting food security in the region.
The agreement on fisheries will help tap into the potential of the blue economy, while the MoU supporting the Greater Busia Metro Project enables joint infrastructure and development programs in Busia.
The MoU on mining promotes responsible mineral exploitation and tackles cross-border smuggling of minerals. The tourism agreement will promote joint marketing, cultural exchange, and eco-tourism.
President Ruto noted that both governments are addressing cross-border challenges, including the Migingo fishing issue. “We also acknowledged ongoing negotiations on a Cross-Border Resource Sharing Agreement, which we hope to finalize soon,” he said.
On trade, President Ruto raised concerns about persistent non-tariff barriers disrupting the flow of goods and undermining regional integration goals under the East African Community (EAC).
The upcoming Joint Ministerial Commission Mid-Term Review and Joint Trade Committee meeting in October 2025 will be crucial in addressing these challenges. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional institutions and advancing EAC objectives.
President Ruto announced a significant industrial initiative: “Kenya and Uganda have agreed to establish the largest steel factory in the region, reducing reliance on steel imports and enabling production for export.
” President Museveni emphasized the need for East Africa and Africa to consolidate markets and strengthen local production capacity, citing the United States’ prosperity as an example. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to resolving the Migingo fishing issue.
