Kenya, South Sudan Joint Infrastructure to Boost Regional Trade

Kenya is committed to enhancing bilateral ties with South Sudan for the benefit of both countries citizens.

According to President William Ruto, the two nations are exploring collaborative infrastructure projects to strengthen regional integration and boost trade.

Kenya, he added, is eager to put the infrastructure plans for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor project (LAPSSET) into operation.

He went on to say that this will promote shared prosperity by improving connectivity, advancing integration, and boosting intraregional trade.

“This is instrumental in supporting bilateral trade,” he said.

The remarks were delivered by President Ruto on Saturday at State House in Nairobi, where he had discussions with Salva Kiir, the President of South Sudan.

A Memorandum of Understanding on the installation of a fiber-optic line along the Eldoret-Juba road was signed by the two leaders.

To increase trade between the two countries, they also agreed to finish building the 11 kilometre Nadapal to Nakodok road.

According to President Ruto, South Sudan, and Kenya have also agreed to take advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to boost trade between the two countries.

“President Kiir and I had the opportunity to share ideas about collaborating to seize emerging opportunities to improve the trade balance between our two nations,” he said.

President Kiir committed to speed up the accords’ implementation in order to reap the economic and social advantages of expanded commerce.

Along with the war in Sudan, the two leaders also spoke about peace and security in Africa.

President Kiir promised to assist efforts to reduce violent conflict and bring about peace in Sudan.

President Ruto applauded the South Sudanese government’s decision to open its borders and offer protection, safe passage, and sanctuary to those escaping the turmoil in Sudan.