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Kenya–Rwanda relations

Kenya – Rwanda relations
Map indicating locations of Kenya and Rwanda

Kenya
Rwanda

Kenya – Rwanda relations are the bilateral relations between Kenya and Rwanda. Kenya is a partner of Rwanda in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy.[1]

Kenya maintains a high commission in Kigali while Rwanda maintains one in Nairobi.[2]

Post Conflict

It is estimated that there are about 100,000 Rwandese immigrants in Kenya.

Both countries have on multiple occasions signed various memoranda of understanding. These MOUs involve co-operative technical assistance and development between the two countries.[3]

Kenya has a significant expat community in Rwanda.[4]

High-level visits

President Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) with, from left to right, Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Jakaya Kikwete of (Tanzania), and Pierre Nkurunziza (Burundi) at an East African Community Head of States Meeting

Presidents of Rwanda and Kenya have on multiple occasions made state visits to each other country.[5][6]

Trade

In 2009, Kenya was the leading exporter to Rwanda.[1] In 2013, Kenya was Rwanda's biggest trade partner.[4]

Between the two years, (2009 and 2013), the Kenya Port Authority handled about 3.5 million Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT) of both imports and exports to Rwanda, Burundi and The DRC. Three quarters of this cargo went through Rwanda.[7]

FDI

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicates that Kenya is Rwanda's top investor and trading partner. As of September 8, 2014 a total of 1,302 Kenyan companies had been registered in Rwanda, with the direct employment from these firms standing at about a quarter million Rwandans.[7]

Since 2000 the RDB records state that 55 Kenyan investors ploughed roughly $400 million into Rwanda. Other Kenyan investors have at various points helped the Rwandan government mobilise close to $1 billion from external sources over the last 15 years.[7]

Kenyan companies in Rwanda are mostly involved in finance and retail. Some of these companies are the KCB Group, the Equity Bank Group, I&M Bank Group and Nakumatt.[7]

Infrastructure

The two countries, together with Uganda, are working on building a standard gauge railway link that would go through Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali. Works began on the Kenyan section of the rail line in December 2014. There have been proposals to have the Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali expanded to a motorway all the way.[8]

Kenya has been working with Rwanda to explore Rwandan geothermal energy potential.[citation needed]

EAC membership

On July 1, 2007, Rwanda became a full member of the EAC.[9] Rwanda joined the EAC Customs Union on 6 July 2009 and since then has been a close partner in terms of customs and trade integration.[10][11]

Coalition of the Willing

The COW, which also includes South Sudan and Uganda, was described as an entity with multiple defence trade and immigration pacts.[12] Even though it is not an official entity these states are described as the states making faster progress towards integration. In 2014 Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda came up with a single tourist visa which would allow tourists to visit all three countries using just one visa. In 2015, all three countries have also abolished work permits for citizens of the three countries.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Kenya, Rwanda relations stronger; envoy Archived 2015-01-06 at the Wayback Machine. Rwandan Patriotic Front. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  2. ^ "East African Community". www.eac.int. Retrieved 2020-05-29.
  3. ^ Rwanda and Kenya to strengthen cooperation Archived 2015-01-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Uhuru’s visit a welcome gesture as Kenya and Rwanda strengthen ties Archived 2018-09-05 at the Wayback Machine. The EastAfrican. November 1, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  5. ^ "Uhuru leaves for one day visit to Rwanda". The Star. Retrieved 2020-10-19.
  6. ^ "President Kagame, Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta Hold Bilateral Talks in Nairobi". KT PRESS. 2019-09-18. Retrieved 2020-10-19.
  7. ^ a b c d Why Kenyans and their businesses are running to Rwanda. November 5, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  8. ^ "Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway Project, Kenya". Railway Technology. Retrieved 2020-05-29.
  9. ^ Key dates in the EAC's history. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  10. ^ "History of the EAC". www.eac.int. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  11. ^ CENTRE, TRALAC TRADE LAW. "EAC Legal Texts and Policy Documents". tralac. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  12. ^ President Kagame to attend 8th Northern Corridor summit in Nairobi. The New Times. December 11, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  13. ^ Coalition of the willing emerges again in EAC Archived 2015-01-06 at the Wayback Machine. The Citizen. January 13, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
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