Kenya and UAE seal security and trade pacts in major push for regional stability

Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a major step in strengthening regional and global security by signing new cooperation agreements focused on defence, customs and border control.

The two countries formalised a total of seven memoranda of understanding during a meeting held at State House, Nairobi, witnessed by President William Ruto and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, on May 8, 2025.

The agreements span military affairs, customs operations, economic development, energy, transport, the creation of a joint business council, and railway development.

“We are focused on deepening diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and delivering on our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to ensure we strengthen economic collaboration for the mutual benefit of our two nations,” Ruto said.

“We are also strengthening security collaboration at the regional and global levels to promote peace and stability,’ he added.

The security cooperation agreement between the two nations commits both governments to work together under their respective national laws and international frameworks.

The goal is to enhance national defence capabilities, strengthen institutional ties and promote peace and stability in the region.

Through the military MoU, Kenya and the UAE will partner on building joint capacity, boosting defence readiness, and supporting security efforts that advance regional harmony.

The pact seeks to improve knowledge-sharing and build long-term cooperation between their respective defence institutions.

Trade and tax laws

The customs agreement will allow the two nations to work together on improving the enforcement of trade and tax laws, cracking down on smuggling and illicit trade, sharing critical information, and simplifying cross-border procedures. The aim is to boost border security and protect national economic interests.

The Kenya Railways Corporation and Etihad Rail Company also entered into a partnership to support the development of Kenya’s railway sector.

The collaboration focuses on technical support, feasibility studies, testing of new technologies, and knowledge exchange, helping to drive long-term industrial development.

To enhance private sector cooperation, Kenya and the UAE will set up a joint business council to grow trade and investment links between the two countries. The council will also offer joint policy recommendations to both governments and serve as a platform to strengthen business ties.

In the transport sector, the agreement outlines areas of collaboration in road, rail, and aviation infrastructure. It promotes the development of joint projects, investment planning, feasibility studies, and technology sharing, while working to align regulatory standards and improve transport safety.

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The energy agreement places a special focus on clean and renewable sources, including wind, solar, and geothermal power. It aims to support Kenya’s energy transition by transferring technical expertise, expanding access to clean energy, and boosting innovation.

President Ruto and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan observed the signing ceremony as a sign of growing trust and cooperation between the two nations.

The MoUs come just months after Kenya and the UAE signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in Abu Dhabi in January this year, setting the stage for deeper ties across sectors.

At the centre of this new chapter is a shared commitment to economic progress, defence cooperation, and regional peace.