Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, including energy, transport, defence, and economic development.
The signing ceremony, held at State House Nairobi on Thursday, May 8, was overseen by President William Ruto and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to a statement by State House, key areas covered include military collaboration, renewable energy, infrastructure development, customs coordination, and the establishment of a business council.
In the energy sector, the two nations agreed to collaborate on renewable energy initiatives.
The focus will be on implementing wind, solar, and geothermal projects, enhancing technical expertise, and accelerating the shift to clean energy for broader access and sustainability.
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Transport infrastructure also featured prominently in the discussions with the MoU in this area providing a framework for collaboration in rail, aviation, and road transport.
On customs cooperation, the agreement aims to tighten enforcement against illicit trade, streamline processes, and enhance the exchange of information.
Additionally, to encourage stronger ties between the private sectors, Kenya and the UAE will establish a Joint Business Council.
The council is set to promote trade and investment, facilitate dialogue between businesses, and offer policy recommendations to both governments.
In the railway sector, Kenya Railways Corporation and Etihad Rail Company formalised a partnership to improve Kenya’s rail network.
The collaboration will include knowledge exchange, exploration of new technologies, and feasibility assessments to boost industrial growth through improved rail infrastructure.
The defence MoU commits both countries to enhancing security cooperation with the agreement focusing on capacity building, institutional linkages, and efforts to support regional stability, in line with national laws and international commitments.
"We are focused on deepening diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and delivering on our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to ensure we strengthen economic collaboration for the mutual benefit of our two nations.
"We are also strengthening security collaboration at the regional and global levels to promote peace and stability," Ruto wrote on X.
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