Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure announced Thursday that it has signed an agreement with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) aimed at strengthening logistics collaboration between the two countries.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) officially operationalizes the KPA Liaison Office in Kigali, a milestone described by officials as key to enhancing bilateral cooperation and regional trade facilitation under the Northern Corridor.
Kigali Liaison Office to Boost Regional Trade
In a statement, the ministry said the MoU establishes a strategic framework to strengthen institutional and commercial linkages between Rwanda’s business community and Mombasa Port services. The liaison office is expected to enhance coordination, streamline logistics, and boost competitiveness for regional trade.
“The MoU goes beyond a formal agreement; it reflects the strong partnership between Rwanda and Kenya and our shared commitment to efficient regional logistics that deliver real benefits to our people,” said Canoth Manishimwe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Kenya Ports Authority Commits to Efficiency
The KPA manages inland waterways and inland container depots to facilitate global trade. In a separate statement, the Authority said the collaboration will bring port services closer to the Rwandan business community, improve efficiency in cargo clearance and forwarding, and strengthen regional connectivity through the Port of Mombasa.
Shared Vision for Regional Integration
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Transport, Mohamed Daghar, joined his Rwandan counterpart at the signing ceremony in Kigali. Both officials reiterated that the MoU embodies a shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, promoting regional integration, and supporting seamless movement of goods within the East African Community.
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Port of Mombasa Performance Highlights
The Port of Mombasa remains a critical hub for East and Central Africa. Rwanda is one of its key transit markets, with cargo volumes steadily increasing. In 2025, Rwanda’s market grew by 22%—equivalent to 156,107 metric tons—reaching 839,366 metric tons compared to 683,259 metric tons in 2024.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto emphasized ongoing initiatives to streamline operations, expand capacity, and enhance service delivery, positioning Mombasa as the preferred gateway for regional trade.
Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner Nasser Okoth, KPA Director Beatrice Nyamoita, General Manager Corporate Services Edward Kamau, and Manager Contracts and Conveyancing Robert Warui were among the officials present at the Kigali ceremony.
The operationalization of the KPA Kigali Liaison Office marks a significant step in Kenya‑Rwanda logistics collaboration. By bringing port services closer to Rwandan businesses and strengthening institutional linkages with Mombasa, the initiative underscores both countries’ commitment to efficient trade, regional integration, and competitiveness across the Northern Corridor.
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