The Governments of Kenya and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially operationalize the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Kigali Liaison Office, in a move aimed at strengthening regional trade and logistics cooperation.

The MoU was signed in Kigali by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Transport, Mr. Mohamed Daghar, and Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPA Canoth Manishimwe.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, CPA Manishimwe underscored the critical role played by KPA in facilitating regional trade, particularly for Rwandan businesses that rely on the Port of Mombasa as a key gateway.

“The signing of this MoU is a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between Rwanda and Kenya, while ensuring that our business community enjoys efficient and reliable port services,” he said.

Mr. Daghar noted that the operationalization of the Kigali liaison office reflects the two governments’ shared commitment to deepening regional integration and strengthening East Africa’s logistics corridors.

“This MoU embodies our joint resolve to expand Kenya’s and Rwanda’s strategic role in the region’s maritime and inland logistics network, with the Port of Mombasa remaining a critical pillar,” he stated.

Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the Authority is continuing to streamline port operations and improve service delivery to support growing regional cargo volumes.

“Rwanda remains one of our key transit markets, and the steady growth in cargo through the Port of Mombasa demonstrates the confidence our regional partners have in KPA’s efficiency and capacity,” he said.