Kenya signs 11 trade ties with Angola

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco on Saturday witnessed the signing of 11 ties, at State House, Nairobi.

The agreements seek to increases trade relations and volumes between the two countries.

Lourenco is in the country for a State visit, the first of an Angolan president in history.

He was expected to arrive in the country on Friday and grace the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Kericho Green Stadium in Kericho county, but that was not to be as he dispatched a representative.

During a joint press conference between the two leaders, president Ruto announced that Kenya has abolished visa requirements for Angolans in efforts to spur trade.

Angola is expected to reciprocate the move.

Ruto said the move seeks to increase trade numbers between the two countries, by easing the movement of people, goods and services.

The president added that trade volumes between the two nations had in the last four years gone up from Sh60 million to Sh350 million, adding that resumption of direct flights from Kenya to Angola is in the pipeline.

“We believe there is tremendous potential and scope for the numbers to go up into billions and we have undertaken to facilitate these exercises by making sure that they are not just bilateral agreements but improve connections to facilitate greater integration."

“I thank you (Joao Lourenco) for making this inaugural visit, the first by an Angolan Head of State in the history of the two countries. Your Excellency you have corrected an anomaly that has existed close to 40 years," added Ruto.

He noted that the two countries share a long and rich history.

"Kenya and Angola share a rich history of engagement... This first ever state visit by a President of Angola is appreciated by the people of Kenya, and it marks a turning point in the relations between our two countries."