By Njeri Irungu,
16 February 2026,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high-level talks in Nairobi between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty.
Speaking during the official visit, Mudavadi described Egypt as a longstanding and trusted partner, noting that relations between the two countries date back to 1964 and are anchored in shared African heritage and a joint commitment to regional stability and development. He recalled the January 2025 state visit to Cairo by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, during which he and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed to elevate ties to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.
During that visit, Kenya and Egypt signed twelve bilateral agreements covering trade and investment, education and research, technology, governance, gender equality, youth empowerment, maritime affairs, telecommunications and ICT, space cooperation, housing and urban development, and sustainable development. Mudavadi commended progress made by government agencies in implementing these agreements through sectoral working groups and confirmed that a Mid-Term Review is planned to assess progress and refine shared priorities.
The leaders also discussed preparations for a proposed state visit to Kenya by President El-Sisi later this year, potentially aligned with the Africa–France Summit scheduled to be held in Nairobi in May 2026. Kenya expressed openness to continued engagement on the proposal.
On trade and investment, both sides emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for businesses and encouraged private sector collaboration. They called for the fast-tracking of a Kenya–Egypt Joint Business Council and measures to streamline trade processes to unlock economic growth and resilience.
Water security and cooperation within the Nile Basin were also central to the discussions. Kenya reiterated its position that the use of shared water resources should not disadvantage any party and advocated for inclusive, African-led dialogue within the Nile Basin Initiative. Nairobi acknowledged Egypt’s call for cooperation and mutual respect, as articulated during the 33rd Nile Council of Ministers meeting in Bujumbura in December 2025, and expressed readiness to act as an impartial facilitator in advancing sustainable Nile Basin management.
Mudavadi welcomed Egypt’s pledge of seven million US dollars for high-impact development projects and its offer of targeted capacity-building support in areas including diplomacy, security, agriculture, and religious leadership. Consultations are ongoing to finalize implementation plans.
On peace and security, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional stability as a foundation for economic growth and social well-being. Kenya praised Egypt’s contributions through the African Union Peace and Security Council and pledged continued collaboration on peace initiatives, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
As the African Union’s champion of institutional reform, Kenya reiterated its commitment to strengthening the continental body in line with Agenda 2063. The two sides agreed on the urgency of completing outstanding reform priorities, including restructuring AU organs and clarifying roles between the African Union, regional economic communities, and member states.
Kenya also presented its candidatures for several continental and international positions, including Judge Phoebe Okowa for the International Court of Justice, Ms. Nkatha Murungi for the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the re-election of Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and welcomed Egypt’s continued cooperation in multilateral processes.
In closing, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with Egypt as a platform for regional stability, economic growth, and African-led solutions, expressing optimism for sustained engagement built on mutual respect and shared interests.
