Kerry, President Kenyatta discuss security, regional stability

Kerry, President Kenyatta discuss security, regional stability

U.S Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday met with President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss regional security issues and counter terrorism cooperation, as well as Kenya’s elections set for next year.

The two further discussed Kenya’s bilateral engagement with the United States, pledging to strengthen their engagements.

“We took stock of our bilateral relations and exchanged views on how to strengthen our engagements,” said President Kenyatta.

Earlier, Kerry was holed up in a meeting with government officials from South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda at Villa Rosa Kempinski before addressing the media at the same venue.

Kerry arrived in the country Sunday evening and was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed and US Ambassador Robert Godec.

State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu on Sunday said Kerry would also meet with CS Mohamed and other regional foreign ministers to discuss the ongoing challenges in the region, including the South Sudan and Somali conflicts.

Meanwhile, at least 35 Heads of State have confirmed attendance for the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development that will be held in Nairobi between Saturday and Sunday.

The government has spent Sh500 million preparing for the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD, summit slated for next week.

Japan Prime Minster Shinzo Abe is expected to use the summit to meet African leaders and solidify trade and development partnerships.

Speaking during a briefing on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said security would be beefed up in Nairobi ahead of the summit with most roads in the central business district being closed over four days.

A number of side events such as Japan/Africa business forum, Africa industrialisation event, seminars on Energy, Health, Trade, Environment, women and youth, peace and security, science and technology is scheduled to take place at the summit,” Ms Mohamed said.

Some of the thematic issues to be addressed include industrialisation, health and social stability among others.

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terrorism John Kerry president uhuru keyatta

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