By Louis Loku
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has travelled to Kenya for high-level talks with President William Ruto, with South Sudan’s upcoming elections, regional stability, and economic cooperation expected to dominate the discussions.
Kiir left Juba on Sunday for Nairobi, which marks his first visit to Kenya since the dissolution of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity.
The visit comes as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, with the government seeking regional support for a peaceful and successful electoral process.
Presidential Press Secretary Amb. Arek Ajou Deng said Kiir’s discussions with his Kenyan counterpart will focus on South Sudan’s electoral preparations and efforts to create a peaceful and credible environment for the polls.
“Today, His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit is traveling to the Republic of Kenya for high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts,” Arek told journalists at Juba International Airport on Sunday.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss wider regional and continental support for South Sudan’s elections amid concerns over the political and security environment surrounding the polls.
Beyond elections, the talks are expected to cover economic and infrastructure cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
According to Arek, the recent launch of a refinery project in Kenya’s coastal Lamu region is also expected to feature in the discussions, including the respective roles of South Sudan and Kenya in supporting its operations.
The talks are further expected to explore opportunities to expand trade, transport, and energy cooperation between Juba and Nairobi.
Arek said Kiir’s visit provides an opportunity for South Sudan to strengthen relations with its neighbours while seeking broader regional and continental backing for the December elections.
She said the success and security of the elections would have implications beyond South Sudan, particularly for the East African Community, the Horn of Africa, and the wider continent.
The visit comes as South Sudan continues efforts to strengthen its regional infrastructure links with Kenya and expand access to the wider East African market.
Kiir’s trip to Nairobi therefore comes at a critical point in South Sudan’s preparations for the December elections and efforts to deepen cooperation with Kenya and other regional partners.