SA President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for a State Visit at the invitation of his Kenyan counterpart President William Ruto.
The visit takes place on Wednesday, (9 November 2022), after President Ramaphosa made presentations in Egypt on the just energy transition funding at COP 27 – the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also referred to as Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC.
“The Presidents will hold discussions on bilateral political and economic matters, regional and continental issues as well as international developments,” said an SA Presidency communique.
The State Visit comes a year after former Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a successful State Visit to South Africa on 23 and 24 November 2021.
“The Heads of State will review the status of bilateral relations, including the implementation of previous Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements,” said the communique.
The two leaders will also witness the signing of instruments on cooperation in correctional services, human settlements, audiovisual co-production, and on building the capacity of the state with the National School of Government.
South Africa values Kenya as a strategic partner. Both countries share common values and principles which guide our domestic as well as foreign policies.
South Africa and Kenya are committed to democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights including the emancipation of women and the full realisation of gender equality.
Both countries are committed to Pan-Africanism and a common vision for the development and Renaissance of Africa as encapsulated in the Agenda 2063.
SA and Kenya are also committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international system; and the resolution of political disputes through peaceful and legal means including dialogue and negotiations.
The State Visit will include a Business Forum consisting of the private sectors of South Africa and Kenya, where participants will have the opportunity to share information and experiences in the business environment and opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two countries.
Kenya is East Africa’s largest economy and South Africa’s largest trading partner in Africa outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Kenya’s GDP stands at USD110.35 billion (2021 – World Bank).
South Africa exported over R6 billion worth of goods to Kenya in 2021 against imports of about R535 million from that country.
There are more than 40 South African companies operating in Kenya with investments in the financial services, real estate, food and beverages, entertainment services, and hospitality sector, among others.
“President Ramaphosa looks forward to fruitful engagements with President Ruto as the new President of the Republic of Kenya following peaceful and successful elections in August 2022,” the SA Presidency said.
The SA President is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor, Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motswaledi, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola and Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
