Kenya and Rwanda have signed 11 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, security, immigration, justice, housing, water and other areas of mutual interest.
The agreements were signed during the 10th session of the Kenya-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), held in Nairobi from October 5 to 6, 2026.
The new agreements are expected to guide the two countries in implementing existing commitments while opening up cooperation in additional areas that affect their citizens and economies.
Among the agreements is one on diaspora affairs, through which Kenya and Rwanda will strengthen cooperation in engaging their citizens living abroad and tap into their diaspora communities to support national development.
Security, immigration and justice
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on immigration and local governance.
The immigration agreement is expected to improve coordination on the movement of people between the two countries, while the local governance component will provide room for cooperation between their respective local government institutions.
Security and justice also featured prominently in the agreements.
Kenya and Rwanda agreed to deepen cooperation between their law enforcement agencies and signed a mutual legal assistance agreement covering criminal matters.
Another agreement provides for the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries, creating a formal framework for cases where citizens are serving prison sentences across the border.
Cooperation in water, housing and conservation
The agreements also cover water resources and irrigation, with the two countries set to share expertise in the sector.
Kenya and Rwanda will also cooperate in housing and urban development as both countries seek to address the growth and management of their towns and cities.
Other areas covered include conservation, culture and heritage, expanding the partnership beyond trade and diplomatic relations.
The broader cooperation framework will also cover infrastructure and transport, logistics, ICT, tourism and East African Community integration.
Speaking during the talks, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said cooperation within the EAC remained important in facilitating the movement of people, goods, services and capital across the region.
Kenya-Rwanda trade
The agreements come at a time when trade between Kenya and Rwanda continues to grow.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Usta Kayitesi said Rwanda imported goods worth more than Ksh51.62 billion from Kenya in 2025, while exports from Rwanda to Kenya stood at approximately Ksh687.4 million.
The two governments have also put timelines in place to monitor the implementation of the agreements.
Technical committees will follow up on the commitments made, with a mid-term review scheduled to take place in Kigali by October 2027.