Kenya and Rwanda have signed 11 new legal instruments covering security, immigration, justice, housing, water, culture and other areas as the two countries seek to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The agreements were signed during the 10th Session of the Kenya–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC), held in Nairobi from October 5 to 6, 2026.
Among the new instruments are agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of sentenced persons, as well as memoranda of understanding on political consultations, immigration, housing and urban development, diaspora management, water resources and irrigation, local governance, culture and heritage, and conservation.
A separate agreement was signed between the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and Kenya National Police Service, strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ law enforcement agencies.
The two governments also agreed to expand cooperation in trade and investment, transport, infrastructure and energy, with particular emphasis on regional connectivity through the Northern Corridor.
They identified geothermal energy, housing, urban development, infrastructure and transport logistics as areas for increased technical cooperation.
The talks also covered the importation of refined petroleum products through the Northern Corridor, diplomatic training, correctional services, health and education.
The two sides exchanged views on security developments in the Great Lakes Region and reaffirmed their commitment to working through the East African Community, African Union, COMESA and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region to advance regional integration, peace and stability.
The meeting reviewed implementation of commitments made during the ninth JPCC held in Kigali in April 2023.
The two countries acknowledged progress but called for faster implementation of outstanding commitments, with an updated implementation matrix to guide monitoring.
The next JPCC session will be held in Rwanda in 2028.
The new agreements come as Kenya and Rwanda seek to strengthen economic and strategic ties while promoting easier movement of goods, services, people and investment between the two countries.
