Ruto affirms strong ties with Uganda as he signs 8 MOUs with Museveni

Speaking at the State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, President Ruto maintained that Kenya and Uganda are focused on enhancing their partnership to bolster their socio-economic affairs.

The two presidents inked MOUs to strengthen partnerships on Mining, Transport, Quality Assurance, Agriculture, Fisheries, Urban development, Tourism and Trade.

President Ruto highlighted the need to address the persistent non-tariff barriers that hinder the flow of goods in the region which have affected livelihoods and the free flow of trading commodities.

He added that they agreed to enhance the transport corridor from Kenya to the Central Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, which will include the railway extension from Naivasha, a project President Ruto said is expected to begin by end of this year.

President Ruto intimated on the plan to commence on the urban development of the greater Busia metro project that will be undertaken between this year and 2028. 

This will entail building infrastructure in Busia and expanding the markets since it is shared between Kenya and Uganda.

The two nations will also focus on having joint mineral exploitation avenues to address cross-border smuggling.

Kenya and Uganda will also work towards bolstering capacity building on the opportunities in the blue economy and enhance food security by cushioning the agriculture sector.

The two nations will also strengthen the tourism sector through the enhancement of cultural exchange and eco-tourism.