South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has travelled to Kenya for high-level bilateral meetings with President William Ruto, in his first trip outside South Sudan since the dissolution of the Transitional Government of National Unity.
In a statement on Sunday, October 4, the Office of the President of South Sudan said the visit is focused on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit travelled to the Republic of Kenya for high-level bilateral meetings with Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, in a visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries,” the statement read.
The discussions are expected to address bilateral relations as well as South Sudan’s preparations for the upcoming elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador Arek Ajou Deng said the talks would also examine measures needed to support the electoral process.
“Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador Arek Ajou Deng said the discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations, South Sudan’s electoral preparations, and measures needed to ensure a peaceful, credible and inclusive election,” the statement added.
Economic and infrastructure cooperation will also feature prominently during the meetings, particularly following the recent launch of the refinery in Lamu.
“Discussions will focus on economic and infrastructure cooperation, particularly in light of the recent launch of the refinery in Lamu. The talks will examine the respective roles of South Sudan and Kenya in supporting the operation of the oil refinery and strengthening related economic partnerships,” the statement further read.
Additionally, the two countries are expected to explore ways of expanding their economic partnership and developing infrastructure that can benefit both sides.
“The engagement is intended to deepen economic cooperation and promote the development of strategic infrastructure for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the statement noted.
The visit also provides an opportunity for Kenya and South Sudan to strengthen regional and continental support for South Sudan’s upcoming elections.
The Office of the President said the discussions would highlight the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries as South Sudan prepares for the electoral process and works on its economic and infrastructure priorities.
“The discussions are expected to underscore the importance of continued cooperation between Juba and Nairobi as South Sudan prepares for the electoral process and seeks to advance its economic and infrastructure priorities,” the statement concluded.
Kiir was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku.
He was accompanied in the reception by officials from South Sudan’s embassy in Kenya, led by Ambassador Simon Juach Deng.
Elsewhere, this comes days after Ruto mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo following his death in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
In a statement on Thursday, October 1, Ruto described Chivayo as a friend and said his death, alongside his wife Lucy Muteke and other people who died in the crash, was a painful loss to their families, friends and those who knew them.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” he wrote.
Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in the potential of the African continent.
“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” he added.
Ruto also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe as they mourned the deaths.
“I convey my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, to President Mnangawga, the people of Zimbabwe and everyone mourning this tragic loss. May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest,” he further said.