The Kenyan President H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta has in an Extra-Ordinary meeting of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) countries’ heads allowed free visas for South Sudanese citizens entering Kenya.
According to him, this will help boost the relation between South Sudan and Kenya and acts as a gateway for individuals who intend to cultivate their potentials and explore different opportunities.
The meeting that was held today was attended by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Uhuru Kenyatta was given green light to lead the IGAD as the new Chairman and he promises a few that will help establish governance across the own of Africa.
“Thank you for showing confidence, faith and trust in me. I promise to do all I can to take our region to greater heights,” the President said.
During the summit, Dr Peter Mutuku Mathuki of Kenya was sworn in as the new EAC Secretary General for a five-year non-renewable term with effect from 25th April 2021. Dr Mathuki took over from Amb Libérat Mfumukeko of Burundi whose term is ending.
On the light of free visas entrance for South Sudanese to Kenya, it is not yet clear if the government of South Sudanese will implement the same for Kenyans entering South Sudan.
Critics say that South Sudan will be in a position to do the same given that Kenya has already started it.
But the relations of the two nations have been seen to give Kenya upper hand in terms of the opportunities that are in the field.
Many Kenyan citizens are working in South Sudan, most at least in the business and the NGO sector.
Since independent, South Sudan has opened her door for neighbours who have enjoyed the works and other opportunities that are available for them.