South Sudan President Salva Kiir in Kenya for bilateral talks (Photos)
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| Aug 19, 2023
President William Ruto on Saturday, August 19 hosted his South Sudan counterpart, Salva Kiir at State House, Nairobi.
Ruto and Kiir held bilateral talks that aim at strengthening ties between the two countries.
The two Heads of State signed a deal that will see the establishment of a fiber optic cable along the Eldoret-Juba Road.
They also agreed to collaborate in restoring peace in South Sudan.
"We held bilateral talks with President Salva Kiir at State House, who is seized with efforts to de-escalate armed engagements and restore peace in Sudan. We agreed to undertake joint infrastructural projects that will enhance connectivity, further integration, and boost intra-regional trade for our prosperity," said Ruto.
This is the second time the two presidents are meeting for bilateral talks, and the third since Ruto's inauguration ceremony in September last year.
In December 2022, the two met in Juba where Ruto said that Kenya will provide land to South Sudan in Mombasa to build a dry port, to ease the cost of doing business.
Ruto now says that Kenya is keen on implementing the infrastructural projects under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor project (LAPSSET) that will see infrastructure like the dry port for South Sudanese traders established.