By Awan Achiek
President Salva Kiir Mayardit traveled to Kenya on Sunday for high-level bilateral meetings. Discussions are expected to focus on South Sudan’s upcoming elections, regional stability, and strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The visit comes as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, following the recent dissolution of the transitional government and the establishment of a caretaker administration.
Speaking to the media at Juba International Airport on Sunday, Amb. Arek Ajou Deng, Press Secretary in the Office of the President, stated that this is President Kiir’s first trip abroad since the government’s dissolution.
“Today, His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit is traveling to the Republic of Kenya for high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts. These meetings aim to strengthen cooperation between the two neighboring countries,” Arek told SSBC on Sunday.
During his engagements in Kenya, President Kiir is expected to discuss South Sudan’s electoral preparations and measures to ensure peaceful, credible, and successful elections.
“The discussions during this visit are expected to focus on bilateral relations, South Sudan’s electoral preparations, and the measures required to ensure peaceful, credible, and successful elections,” Arek said.
She added that the talks are also anticipated to address broader regional cooperation, as both countries share interests in security, trade, infrastructure, and economic development.
“The two sides are also expected to discuss matters concerning economic and infrastructural cooperation, including the recent refinery launch in Lamu last week and the respective roles that South Sudan and Kenya will play in supporting its operation.”
Arek clarified that the two sides are expected to discuss their respective roles in supporting the refinery’s operations and strengthening strategic infrastructure linking the two countries.
“The engagement reflects the importance of closer economic cooperation and the development of strategic regional infrastructure for the mutual benefit of both countries and the region at large.”
Arek reiterated that the discussions underscore the importance of closer economic cooperation and regional infrastructure development for the benefit of South Sudan, Kenya, and the wider East African region.
“The visit also provides an opportunity to coordinate broader regional and continental support for South Sudan’s elections,” she said.
“As highlighted last week during the AUC5 meeting, the security and success of elections in South Sudan are vital not only for our country but also for the stability of the East African community, the Horn of Africa, and the entire continent.”
President Kiir’s visit reaffirms South Sudan’s commitment to regional cooperation, peaceful elections, and constructive engagement with its neighbors and the international community.
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