During his official visit to Congo-Brazzaville, Kenyan President, William Ruto announced the signing of 18 cooperation deals between the two nations. In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, President Ruto revealed the removal of visa restrictions to facilitate the seamless movement of people between Kenya and Congo.
Upon his arrival, President Ruto was warmly welcomed by his counterpart, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and delivered an address to the gathered members of parliament, including deputies and senators.
President Ruto expressed concern over Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, despite being responsible for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Highlighting another pressing issue, President Ruto expressed his dismay at the fact that low-income countries on the continent allocate a staggering 24% of their GDP to debt payments, which severely restricts their growth and development.
President Ruto also applauded the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing its potential to dismantle barriers and promote intra-African trade. Currently, intra-African trade stands at a mere 17%, in stark contrast to the European Union’s 70% level.
As part of the cooperation deals, in order to facilitate the movement of people and goods, President Ruto announced the elimination of visa requirements between Congo and Kenya. He declared, “We, the Government of Kenya, have already taken the decision that nationals of Congo-Brazzaville will no longer need visas to enter Kenya. This will enable us to increase trade between our two countries. Our peoples, businessmen, and others need this”.
An agreement was officially signed to enact this visa exemption, alongside 17 other cooperation deals spanning various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, environment, tourism, mining industries, geology, diplomatic training, and cooperative promotion, among others.
President Ruto expressed his eagerness to revive Kenya Airways’ operations between Nairobi and Brazzaville, with plans to resume flights by the end of the year. The airline discontinued its service to the Congolese capital several years ago.