JUBA — South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Sunday travelled to Kenya for high-level bilateral talks expected to focus on South Sudan’s upcoming elections, regional stability, and economic cooperation.
The visit marks Kiir’s first trip to Kenya since the dissolution of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and comes as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
According to Amb. Arek Ajou Deng, Presidential Press Secretary, the discussion with Kenyan President William Ruto is expected to address South Sudan’s electoral preparations and measures needed to ensure peaceful, credible, and successful elections.
“Today, His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit is traveling to the Republic of Kenya for high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts,” Arek told media on Sunday at Juba International Airport.
She said the two leaders are expected to discuss broader regional and continental support for South Sudan’s electoral process, amid concerns over the security and political environment surrounding the polls.
“The meetings are aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries. This visit is President Kiir’s first visit following the dissolution of the government, as South Sudan paved the way to its first electoral elections on December 22, 2026,” she said.
Arek said the meeting will focus on economic and infrastructure cooperation, including the recent launch of a refinery project in Kenya’s coastal Lamu region.
“The two sides are also expected to discuss matters around economic and infrastructural cooperation, including the recent refinery launch in Lamu last week and the respective roles that South Sudan and Kenya will be playing in supporting the operation of the refinery,” she said.
She added that “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 said the two leaders are also expected to discuss their respective roles in supporting the refinery’s operations, as well as opportunities to strengthen trade, transport, and energy cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
She said Kiir is also seeking broader regional and continental support for South Sudan’s planned December elections as he engages neighboring countries and regional leaders.
“The visit is also 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 the success of elections in South Sudan are vital not only for our country but also to the stability of the East African community, the Horn of Africa, and the entire continent.”
She said Kiir’s visit reaffirms South Sudan’s commitment to regional cooperation, commitment to peaceful elections, and constructive engagement with the neighbors and the international community.
The visit comes amid efforts to deepen strategic regional infrastructure links, including projects connecting South Sudan to Kenya and the wider East African market.
President Kiir’s trip to Nairobi is his first visit to Kenya since the dissolution of the transitional government and comes at a critical stage in South Sudan’s preparations for the December elections
