Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a series of bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure, and energy, marking a new phase in relations between the two countries. The deals come amid growing scrutiny of the UAE’s expanding footprint across Africa.
Seven memoranda of understanding were signed during a high-level meeting at State House in Nairobi, attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The agreements span military cooperation, customs enforcement, transportation infrastructure, renewable energy, economic partnerships, and the development of a joint business council.
According to President Ruto, the pacts reflect a shared vision to “deepen diplomatic and economic ties” and “promote regional peace and stability through collaborative security efforts.” The military and customs agreements in particular are expected to increase institutional coordination, border surveillance, and information exchange on smuggling and illicit trade.
The military MoU outlines plans for capacity building, joint defence training, and strategic coordination between the two nations, under the framework of national and international laws.
However, the timing of the agreements has raised concerns among regional observers and civil society organizations. The UAE’s growing presence in Africa—through investments, security deals, and political engagement—has been criticized for lacking transparency and for allegedly backing non-state armed groups in conflict zones.
In Sudan, the UAE has come under international scrutiny over reports linking it to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group accused of widespread atrocities during Sudan’s civil conflict. Amnesty International recently reported that advanced Chinese-made weapons originally sold to the UAE were recovered in RSF-controlled territories, in violation of a UN arms embargo. The Sudanese army has also publicly accused the UAE of arming the RSF, whose rise has been a major driver of the catastrophic war that has displaced over 13 million people.
Analysts warn that Kenya’s closer alignment with the UAE—though framed around development and peace—could position Abu Dhabi to further consolidate its strategic influence on the continent, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
The agreements also include collaboration between Kenya Railways Corporation and UAE’s Etihad Rail Company to boost rail infrastructure through technical support and technology testing. In the energy sector, the two countries plan to work together on expanding clean power sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
A joint business council will be created to enhance private-sector collaboration, offer policy input to both governments, and promote bilateral trade and investment. The council is expected to help align economic goals with regional development agendas.
The Nairobi deals follow a broader economic partnership agreement signed in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, signaling a deeper and more strategic.