South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is in Nairobi for talks with President William Ruto, with the two leaders expected to discuss South Sudan’s upcoming elections, regional stability and economic cooperation.
Kiir arrived in Kenya on Sunday, October 4, in his first visit since the dissolution of South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity.
South Sudan is preparing for general elections scheduled for December 22, with Kiir expected to seek Kenya’s support in efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process.
Presidential Press Secretary Arek Ajou Deng said the talks will also cover regional and continental support for the elections, as well as economic and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions are expected to include the recently launched Dangote refinery project in Lamu, with Kenya and South Sudan examining their respective roles in supporting the project and strengthening trade, transport and energy links.
Kiir’s visit comes at a critical stage for South Sudan, as the country moves towards the December elections amid political and security concerns.
For Nairobi, the talks provide an opportunity to strengthen Kenya’s role in South Sudan’s political transition while deepening economic and regional ties between the two countries.
