The Government of Kenya and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to operationalize the Kenya Ports Authority’s Liaison Office in Kigali, Rwanda. The signing ceremony was presided over by Kenya’s Principal Secretary State Department for Transport, Mr.
Mohamed Daghar, and Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPA Canoth Manishiwe, in Kigali. Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Mohamed Daghar described the agreement as a testament to the shared commitment to deepen regional integration, trade and enhance the two nations’ strategic roles within East Africa’s maritime and inland logistics corridors.
“The operationalization of the Kigali office reflects the two nations determination to support seamless cargo movement and promote competitive trade across the region.” he noted. On his part, Rwanda’s PS Manishimwe highlighted the critical role played by KPA in facilitating regional trade and supporting Rwandan businesses.
“The signing of this MoU is a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between our two countries,” he said. He lauded the Kenya Ports Authority for the Kigali liaison office, noting that it has made it easier and more cost-effective for the Rwanda customers to clear their cargo from the comfort of their homes.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto underscored the Authority’s ongoing initiatives to streamline port operations, improve capacity, and enhance service delivery. Rwanda remains one of the Port of Mombasa’s key transit markets. In the port performance report for the year 2025, the market grew by 22%, or 156,107 metric tons, in comparison to the previous year after recording 839,366 metric tons against 683,259 metric tons.
Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Nasser Okoth, KPA Director Ms. Beatrice Nyamoita, General Manager of Corporate Services Mr. Edward Kamau, and Manager of Contracts and Conveyancing Mr. Robert Warui were among the officials present at the event.