NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional peace and democratic stability, pledging support for the capacity building and institutional preparedness of South Sudan’s electoral agency ahead of elections scheduled for later this year.
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday after meeting South Sudan Presidential Special Envoy Tut Gatluak Manime at State House, Nairobi. The envoy delivered a special message from South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“Kenya is committed to advancing regional peace and security, recognising that enduring stability is the foundation of shared prosperity across our region,” Ruto said.
He said Kenya is ready to support South Sudan’s electoral institutions as part of a broader regional responsibility to strengthen democratic processes and ensure credible and peaceful elections.
“The support reflects our shared responsibility to strengthen democratic processes and ensure credible and peaceful electoral outcomes,” the President added.
Regional diplomacy and mediation role
The meeting was also attended by South Sudan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, and Tumaini Initiative Chief Mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo, underscoring Kenya’s continued role as a key diplomatic and mediation actor in South Sudan’s peace process.
Kenya has historically played a central role in South Sudan’s political negotiations, including hosting talks and providing mediation under regional and international frameworks. The Tumaini Initiative, which seeks to complement existing peace efforts, is part of renewed attempts to stabilise South Sudan ahead of the long-delayed elections.
South Sudan’s polls are viewed as a critical milestone under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which requires the establishment of credible institutions to oversee elections after years of conflict and political instability.
Peace and stability priority
Ruto reiterated that peace and security remain central to economic growth and regional integration, noting that instability in one country has far-reaching implications for neighbouring states.
Kenya’s engagement comes amid heightened regional concern over South Sudan’s preparedness to conduct credible elections and the risk of renewed instability if the process is mishandled.
