NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has embarked on an official visit to South Sudan, where he is set to hold discussions with President Salva Kiir on Thursday to reinforce peace and economic cooperation in the region.
Ruto, who left Nairobi on Wednesday morning, was seen off by senior government officials including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, and Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
A key focus of the visit, according to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, is to support South Sudan’s political transition through the Tumaini Peace Consensus—a peace-building initiative endorsed by Kenya and various international development partners.
This initiative, proposed by President Kiir, seeks to establish a foundation for lasting stability in South Sudan by engaging local stakeholders in intensive dialogue and setting a blueprint for inclusive governance.
“President Kiir’s Tumaini initiative represents a transformative approach to peace-building that Kenya is proud to support,” Mohamed said, emphasizing the regional impact of this collaboration.
The initiative, he added, has grown significantly over the past six months through sustained discussions with South Sudanese leaders, indicating progress toward a peaceful transition.
Another central topic in the talks is the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, a significant infrastructure project that aims to link the two countries and boost regional trade by enhancing connectivity between South Sudan and the Indian Ocean.
This cross-border development, a shared vision between Nairobi and Juba, is expected to stimulate local economies, lower trade costs, and facilitate smoother transit across East Africa.
During their August 27 meeting in Nairobi, the two leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to shared prosperity and sustainable development.
Ruto’s visit follows President Kiir’s endorsement of Kenya’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairmanship, showcasing a united front on the African diplomatic stage.
Ruto, who left Nairobi on Wednesday morning, was seen off by senior government officials including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, and Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
A key focus of the visit, according to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, is to support South Sudan’s political transition through the Tumaini Peace Consensus—a peace-building initiative endorsed by Kenya and various international development partners.
This initiative, proposed by President Kiir, seeks to establish a foundation for lasting stability in South Sudan by engaging local stakeholders in intensive dialogue and setting a blueprint for inclusive governance.
“President Kiir’s Tumaini initiative represents a transformative approach to peace-building that Kenya is proud to support,” Mohamed said, emphasizing the regional impact of this collaboration.
The initiative, he added, has grown significantly over the past six months through sustained discussions with South Sudanese leaders, indicating progress toward a peaceful transition.
Another central topic in the talks is the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, a significant infrastructure project that aims to link the two countries and boost regional trade by enhancing connectivity between South Sudan and the Indian Ocean.
This cross-border development, a shared vision between Nairobi and Juba, is expected to stimulate local economies, lower trade costs, and facilitate smoother transit across East Africa.
During their August 27 meeting in Nairobi, the two leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to shared prosperity and sustainable development.
Ruto’s visit follows President Kiir’s endorsement of Kenya’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairmanship, showcasing a united front on the African diplomatic stage.
