Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral ties with the establishment of a Joint Business Council, following the signing of seven key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting trade, investment, and cooperation across strategic sectors.
The agreements were signed on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, in a ceremony witnessed by President William Ruto and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The newly formed Joint Business Council will play a central role in advancing the implementation of agreements between the two nations, offering joint policy recommendations and facilitating collaborative projects in trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense.
Among the most notable pacts is a partnership between Etihad Rail and Kenya Railways, which will support the development of a modern light rail system in Kenya. The rail network, modeled after Dubai’s acclaimed metro system, is expected to transform urban transit in Nairobi and other major cities.
In the energy sector, Kenya and the UAE committed to accelerating the transition to clean energy through the development of wind, solar, and geothermal projects. The agreement also emphasizes capacity building, technology transfer, and improved access to renewable energy.
Additional MoUs focus on enhancing cooperation in aviation, road transport, and customs. These include efforts to modernize Kenya’s transport systems and streamline operations at key trade entry points such as the Port of Mombasa. Customs collaboration will aim to boost law enforcement efficiency and combat illicit trade.
Military and security cooperation also featured in the agreements, with both countries pledging to work together to promote peace and stability at the regional and global levels.“We are focused on deepening diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and delivering on our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to ensure we strengthen economic collaboration for the mutual benefit of our two nations,” said President Ruto
The comprehensive set of agreements underscores a growing strategic partnership between Kenya and the UAE, with both countries positioning themselves to harness economic and geopolitical opportunities in the region and beyond.
