Kenya and Rwanda are deepening their strategic relationship through growing trade, investment, security cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, has said.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Africa Mindset Reset Forum in Kigali, Sing’Oei described Kenya and Rwanda as “brotherly and sisterly” countries, saying their relationship has expanded significantly in recent years and is increasingly driven by shared economic and strategic interests.
“We have a long-standing, excellent relationship built on mutual trust. Our relationship has grown by leaps and bounds,” Sing’Oei said.
He said trade between the two countries has nearly doubled over the past five years, with bilateral trade now approaching half a billion dollars.
Sing’Oei also highlighted the growing investment links between the two countries, citing Kenyan companies such as Equity Bank and KCB as major investors in Rwanda’s financial sector, alongside investments in education and other areas.
Rwanda, he noted, is also an investor in Kenya’s strategic infrastructure, including the Kenya Pipeline Company, demonstrating that the relationship is based on concrete economic interests rather than diplomacy alone.
“Our relationship is not just talk. It’s strategic, and it is driven by our shared interests,” he said.
The Principal Secretary said security cooperation remains another important pillar of the relationship, with the two countries’ militaries working together and sharing intelligence.
He further pointed to strong people-to-people ties, noting that Rwandans live, work and study in Kenya, while about 10,000 Kenyans have chosen to work, study and do business in Rwanda.
Africa Must Overcome Fear of Failure
Sing’Oei also used his intervention at the Africa Mindset Reset Forum to challenge what he described as a mindset of fear, particularly the fear of failure.
He argued that excessive fear of making mistakes can paralyse individuals and institutions, causing them to miss opportunities while waiting for a perfect solution.
“The fear of making a mistake is what paralyzes a lot of people from trying. And by never trying, you never achieve your objective,” he said.
According to Sing’Oei, successful individuals and institutions are willing to act, gather the information available, make decisions and learn from mistakes.
He said Africa cannot afford to remain trapped in endless contemplation while circumstances and opportunities continue to change.
“Maybe there will be a mistake, but you learn from it, you correct it, and you move on,” he said.
He linked the same mindset to public confidence, saying fear of judgment often prevents people from developing their abilities.
He argued that deliberate effort and training can help individuals overcome such barriers.
ASG Promises Action Beyond the Forum
Meanwhile, African School of Governance President Francis Gatare said the Africa Mindset Reset Forum is intended to produce practical action rather than remain a one-off gathering.
Gatare said commitments made during the forum would be followed up, while collaborative initiatives emerging from discussions would be documented and monitored.
“When we started this forum, it was never a one-time hop. It was always seen as a forum that should happen on an annual basis,” Gatare said.
He said the African School of Governance would work with participants and partners to track progress between this year’s forum and the next edition.
“Between now and the next one, we’ll be following up, facilitating, and ensuring that at the next forum there will be accountability,” he said.
Gatare added that the agenda for next year’s forum would be informed by lessons, feedback and progress emerging from the current gathering.
He also highlighted the role of citizens and the media in holding leaders accountable, particularly in the digital age, where citizens can document their experiences with public institutions and officials.
The discussions at the Africa Mindset Reset Forum in Kigali therefore placed mindset transformation, regional cooperation and practical action at the centre of Africa’s development agenda, with speakers emphasizing that a change in thinking must ultimately translate into decisions, implementation and measurable results.
