Kenyatta in Sudan for Bashir’s Inauguration

President Uhuru Kenyatta left the country on Tuesday morning for an official visit to Sudan to attend the inauguration of President Omar Hassan Al Bashir.

President Kenyatta will join other Heads of State and Governments to witness the swearing in of Al Bashir who was re-elected in a landslide victory in April 2015r.

The inauguration ceremony, which will be held at Sudan’s National Assembly, will be followed by a State reception at the Republican Palace.

Besides President Kenyatta, the other Heads of State and Government listed as guests at the inauguration ceremony include African Union Chairman and Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

The others include the presidents of Egypt, Chad, Eritrea, Somali, Djibouti, the Vice President of South Sudan, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the leader of the Arab League among other dignitaries.

Kenya and Sudan enjoy a special relationship on various economic fronts including trade and agriculture.

Largest market for Kenyan tea

The two countries are also partners on the war against terror because the Khartoum government continuously faces daunting challenges of militants transiting to the Middle East to join ISIS.

Besides joint initiatives to combat terrorism by the two countries, Sudan and Kenya are also key partners of IGAD in its efforts to restore lasting peace in South Sudan.

On the economic front, Sudan is one of the largest markets for Kenyan tea where 70 per cent of all teas imported and consumed by Khartoum , are Kenyan products.

Some tea importing companies in Sudan also re-export the Kenyan tea to other countries including Chad and Central Africa Republic.

The plane carrying the President left JKIA shortly before 8.00 a.m.

President Kenyatta was seen off at the airport by Deputy President William Ruto, Majority Leader Aden Duale, Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe, the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and other senior officials.

By PSCU and Maureen Murimi