On January 22, Rwanda and Kenya formalized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Liaison Office in Kigali, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Canoth Manishimwe, Permanent Secretary at Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure, alongside Mr. Mohamed Daghar, CBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Transport, Ministry of Roads and Transport of Kenya.

The signed MoU establishes a strategic framework to strengthen institutional and commercial linkages between Rwanda’s business community and Mombasa Port services, and is expected to enhance coordination, improve access to port services, streamline logistics operations, and ultimately boost both local and regional trade competitiveness.

Speaking during the ceremony, Daghar highlighted the strong growth in Rwandan cargo volumes transiting through the Port of Mombasa, noting an increase from approximately 600,000 metric tons in 2024 to over 800,000 metric tons in 2025.

He further described this upward trend as highly promising, with the potential to reach one million metric tons in the near future, an indicator of growing trade confidence and improved performance of the Northern Corridor.

The Principal Secretary also informed participants about the recent completion of the Kipevu Oil Terminal, a strategic investment expected to significantly improve efficiency in the handling of petroleum products. He encouraged the Rwandan business community to leverage these infrastructure developments to expand trade volumes through the Port of Mombasa, reaffirming KPA’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and competitive port services.

In his remarks, Manishimwe emphasized that the MoU goes beyond a formal agreement, describing it as a clear demonstration of the strong and longstanding partnership between Rwanda and Kenya, anchored in mutual trust, shared regional interests, and a common vision for economic integration and sustainable development.

“As a land-linked country, Rwanda places strategic importance on efficient, reliable, and cost-effective access to regional and international markets,” he noted, underscoring the critical role of the Northern Corridor, with the Port of Mombasa serving as a key gateway in Rwanda’s trade and logistics ecosystem.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that the KPA Liaison Office in Kigali will operate as a one-stop interface between Rwanda’s public and private sector stakeholders and the Kenya Ports Authority.

This arrangement is expected to improve cargo tracking and predictability, reduce transit times, address operational challenges more efficiently, and lower the overall cost of doing business—outcomes fully aligned with Rwanda’s national development priorities and regional trade commitments under the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).