Kenya and South Africa have signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties between the two nations.
The agreements were signed on Thursday, June 4, following bilateral talks between President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The MoUs cover key sectors including trade facilitation through standardization, technical regulation, conformity assessment and accreditation, as well as shipping and maritime cooperation.
Six agreements signed as Kenya, South Africa strengthen bilateral relations. Photo: Courtesy.
Other areas of collaboration include gender equality and women empowerment, technical and vocational education and training, arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation.
Both leaders underscored the importance of the agreements in expanding economic and social cooperation.
President Ramaphosa noted that Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in the East African region and said the new frameworks would further enhance bilateral relations.
President Ruto, on his part, highlighted the steady growth in trade between the two countries, which increased from $590 million in 2024 to $650 million in 2025.
He noted that despite the positive growth, challenges such as tariffs, non-tariff barriers, limited market access, and regulatory constraints still need to be addressed.
He added that the agreements should help accelerate economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for both countries.
President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto are on a two-day state visit to South Africa, where they were received in Pretoria on Wednesday evening by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.
During the visit, President Ruto was accorded a 21-gun salute in an official welcome ceremony hosted by President Ramaphosa.
The two heads of state are also expected to address a business forum focused on boosting trade, investment, and strategic partnerships between Kenya and South Africa.
