KIGALI, Rwanda — The governments of Kenya and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formally operationalize the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Kigali Liaison Office, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing regional logistics integration.
The agreement was signed in Kigali by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department for Transport, Mohamed Daghar, and Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Canoth Manishimwe, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries.
Rwandan authorities said the operationalization of the KPA office in Kigali would significantly ease cargo clearance for Rwandan businesses that rely on the Port of Mombasa as their main maritime gateway.
“KPA plays a critical role in supporting regional trade, particularly for Rwandan businesses,” Manishimwe said.
He described the MOU as “a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations” and noted that the Kigali liaison office had already reduced costs and simplified cargo clearance by allowing customers to process documentation remotely.
Daghar said the agreement reflected a shared commitment by Nairobi and Kigali to deepen regional integration and strengthen East Africa’s maritime and inland logistics corridors.
“This MOU embodies our joint resolve to expand the strategic role of Kenya and Rwanda within East Africa’s transport and trade ecosystem,” he said, singling out the Port of Mombasa as a cornerstone of that cooperation.
The Kenyan government, Daghar added, continues to invest in efficiency reforms at the Port of Mombasa, which remains the largest port in East and Central Africa and a key transit hub for landlocked countries in the region.
KPA data shows Rwanda remains one of Mombasa’s most important transit markets, with cargo volumes recording consistent growth over recent years.
According to the Port Performance Report for 2025, Rwanda-bound cargo grew by 22pc, an increase of 156,107 metric tons compared to the previous year. The port handled 839,366 metric tons of Rwanda cargo in 2025, up from 683,259 metric tons in 2024.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the authority was implementing ongoing initiatives to streamline port operations, expand capacity, and improve service delivery for regional clients.
“Our focus is on efficiency, reliability, and customer-centered services to support regional trade growth,” Ruto said, adding that liaison offices such as the one in Kigali were central to that strategy.
The agreement comes amid broader efforts within the East African Community to improve cross-border trade facilitation, reduce logistics costs, and enhance the competitiveness of regional supply chains.
Efficient port and corridor operations are considered critical to Rwanda’s import and export economy, given its landlocked status.
Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to Rwanda, Nasser Okoth, KPA Director Beatrice Nyamoita, General Manager for Corporate Services Edward Kamau, and Manager for Contracts and Conveyancing Robert Warui were among the officials who attended the signing ceremony.
