Ruto and Nsengiyumva Agree to Strengthen Rwanda-Kenya Ties

Addis Ababa, February 15, 2026 - Kenyan President William Ruto and Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva have agreed to further reinforce diplomatic and economic relations between their two countries.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, where Nsengiyumva represented President Paul Kagame.

In a message posted on X, President Ruto said the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“I met with the Prime Minister of Rwanda, Mr. Justin Nsengiyumva, following the 39th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We agreed to strengthen our diplomatic relations and partnerships with other countries, in our common interest, to contribute to the development of Africa and the world,” Ruto stated.

The Prime Minister’s Office also confirmed that Nsengiyumva held talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the summit.

Strong and Expanding Economic Links

Rwanda and Kenya maintain long-standing and robust ties, particularly in trade and investment.

Kenyan banks - including Equity Bank, KCB Bank, I&M Bank, and NCBA Bank - have established a strong presence in Rwanda’s financial sector.

In higher education, Kenyan institutions such as Mount Kigali University operate in Rwanda.

Air connectivity also remains strong, with Kenya Airways and Jambojet serving the Rwandan market.

The renewed commitment announced in Addis Ababa signals continued momentum in Rwanda-Kenya cooperation, with both governments positioning their partnership as a driver of regional integration and African development.