Kenya, Djibouti agree on a visa-free regime
Kenya and Djibouti have agreed to have a visa-free regime between them in a bid to spur trade.
The agreement was reached on Sunday when President William Ruto met his counterpart Ismaïl Omar Guelleh at the Palais Présidentiel in Djibouti.
According to a statement from State House Kenya, the two leaders agreed to establish the Kenya-Djibouti business council that will drive commerce between the two countries.
President Ruto said Djibouti people visiting Kenya will not be required to have visas.
“This is part of our contribution to easing the movement of people, goods and services in Africa,” Ruto said.
He announced that Kenya and Djibouti will also build synergy on tourism and hospitality to boost their earnings.
Kenya also affirmed its support in the resumption of air transport between Nairobi and Djibouti.
According to Ruto, the renewed ties will also inspire and improve stability in the East African region and the Horn of Africa.
“Making the region — especially the Horn of Africa — stable is our foremost assignment,” he explained.
Djibouti President
Reiterating Ruto's sentiments, President Guelleh noted that peace in the region will be a recipe for the growth and transformation of the region.
“We can only develop our world when we are secure,” President Guelleh noted.
Addressing the National Assembly of Djibouti, Ruto said that Africa should not be looking for favours and aid in formulating solutions to unemployment, poverty and inequality facing the continent.
“We are not looking for any favour; we have the resources, practical views and solutions to the climate crisis," Ruto said.
The President noted that it is time Africa’s unity was deepened and its voice made vocal and clear for it to grow.
“That is why we must integrate and push for free trade that will create more jobs and incomes. It is a reformed and streamlined African Union that will elevate and give our continent a new lease of life,” he added.
He said the operationalisation of a Pan-African Parliament will further “help Africa meet the challenges of our time”.
