Kenya, Congo to confront food insecurity challenge together - Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya and the Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville) representatives on Saturday signed comprehensive bilateral agreements, based on expanding the two countries economic welfare.

According to a dispatch from State House, Nairobi, a total of 18 agreements were signed.

They include partnerships in trade and investment, energy, ICT, transport, security, education, tourism, culture, agriculture and the blue economy among others.

President William Ruto who is in Congo for a two day official visit said the two countries agreed to abolish visa restrictions to ease movement of people and goods.

The move, he noted will enhance integration and boost trade, adding that Kenya was working towards restoring direct flights between Nairobi and Brazzaville.

Ruto spoke in Brazzaville during a media briefing alongside his host, President Denis Sassou N'Guesso.

He added that Kenya and Congo will continue cooperating — under the African Union (AU) and IGAD frameworks, to restore peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Eastern Democtratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"We emphasise the need to maintain peace, security and stability within the region as a prerequisite for development."

"We have plenty of room to expand the scale, size and value of commercial activities between our nations," Ruto added.

The President said Kenya and Congo will work together to confront food insecurity challenges in the region.

"We can make steady progress towards food stability.”

On his part, President N'Guesso said Congo will play its part towards the realisation of the signed agreements.

“We are going to implement this agreement for the benefit of the people.”

Earlier, President Ruto presided over a business forum in Brazzaville that brought together Kenyan and Congolese investors.