Ruto Strikes Landmark Deal With Museveni Amid Tanzania Trade Fallout
Kenya News – President William Ruto has taken a bold step to reinforce Kenya’s diplomatic and economic ties with Uganda, following rising regional tensions sparked by Tanzania’s trade restrictions on Kenyan businesses.
During a high-profile ceremony at State House, Nairobi, Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed eight comprehensive Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), aiming to strengthen cooperation in sectors that are key to both countries’ development.
What the New Kenya-Uganda MOUs Cover
The agreements span critical areas including:
- Mining and mineral resource exploration
- Transport infrastructure and regional connectivity
- Quality standards and regulatory frameworks
- Agriculture and food security
- Fisheries and blue economy development
- Urban and metropolitan development
- Tourism and cultural exchange
- Trade facilitation and non-tariff barrier removal
“Our partnership with Uganda remains strong and is getting stronger,” Ruto stated. “These MOUs will clear the way for smoother trade and economic integration in East Africa.”
Railway Extension and Regional Trade Boost
Among the standout announcements was the extension of Kenya’s railway from Naivasha into Uganda and further toward the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic. The project is expected to break ground by the end of the year and will be a major game-changer for cross-border commerce.
President Ruto and President Museveni during the bilateral agreement signing at State House Nairobi. [Photo/Courtesy]
Focus on Busia and Urban Development
Plans are underway to transform the Greater Busia metropolitan area a critical border hub into a modern urban center by 2028. This includes road expansion, market infrastructure, and enhanced border processing, all geared toward boosting bilateral trade and cross-border commerce.
Joint Mining and Blue Economy Strategy
Kenya and Uganda will now collaborate on exploring and regulating mineral resources to curb illegal mining and maximize economic returns. They also agreed on strengthening their blue economies, particularly around Lake Victoria, to unlock more opportunities in the fishing sector.
Tourism, Agriculture and Food Security
Through joint tourism campaigns and cultural programs, both nations seek to increase regional and international visitor numbers. Meanwhile, agricultural cooperation will target enhanced food security, with shared research, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives.
Ruto’s Vision for Regional Unity
Ruto emphasized the importance of eliminating non-tariff barriers that continue to slow down intra-African trade. “By working with our neighbors, we can drive growth, create jobs, and empower our people,” he said.
President Museveni echoed this sentiment, calling the agreements a “strategic milestone” in fostering regional integration and mutual prosperity.
What’s Next?
With the signing of these MOUs, Kenya and Uganda are signaling a united front in overcoming external trade pressures and setting the pace for deeper regional integration. The next few years will determine the full impact of these deals, particularly in transforming infrastructure, trade, and livelihoods across East Africa.
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