MOMBASA, Kenya, Oct 27 – Kenya and Uganda have signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cross-border tourism, trade and investment as the two countries seek to ease travel barriers and expand business opportunities within East Africa.
The agreements were signed on the first day of the fifth Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa.
The deals bring together tourism associations, business membership organisations and an industrial research institution, providing a framework for cooperation between private sector players in the two countries.
The signatories include the Kenya Association of Travel Agents and the Uganda Association of Travel Agents; the Kenya Association of Tour Operators and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators; and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Uganda’s Private Sector Foundation.
KNCCI also signed an agreement with the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre.
The two-day summit, which opened on Monday, October 26, is focusing on regional mobility, technology and investment, with delegates expected to adopt a communiqué outlining institutional commitments and implementation timelines.
“The East African Community promised its people the freedom to move, work and do business across our borders. Article 104 of the Treaty is that promise, and tourism is where its benefits are felt first,” Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga said.
Tourism flows between the two countries have continued to grow. According to figures presented at the summit, Kenyan visitors to Uganda increased from 466,902 in 2024 to 519,041 in 2025.
Ugandan arrivals to Kenya also rose from 201,623 to 234,556 over the same period, making Uganda Kenya’s second-largest source market, according to the Kenya Tourism Board.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development Beatrice Askul Moe said the two countries were seeking to address inconsistent border procedures, limited public awareness of travel rights and administrative delays affecting travellers and businesses.
The summit is also showcasing youth-led digital tourism ventures and exploring investment opportunities in technology-enabled destination management and tourism platforms.
Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Herbert Kiguli, said the meeting was expected to move beyond discussions towards practical measures to ease travel and help businesses operate across borders.
The summit coincides with the 10th anniversary of Uganda’s consulate in Mombasa, highlighting the countries’ efforts to deepen commercial ties through tourism and regional integration.
