President Kikwete leaves after three-day state visit

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete flew back to Dar es Salaam Tuesday evening after concluding a three-day State visit to Kenya.

The event-packed visit saw President Kikwete launch the upgrading of the 90KM Tavate-Mwatate Road together with President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday.

On Monday, the visiting Head of State was accorded state honours including a 21 gun salute by his host President Kenyatta before the two leaders held bilateral talks at State House, Nairobi.

On Tuesday, President Kikwete and President Kenyatta addressed a joint Kenya-Tanzania Business Forum at a Nairobi hotel and later the visiting Tanzanian leader gave a farewell address to a special joint sitting of Kenya’s National Assembly, Senate and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The Tanzania Head of State praised relations between Kenya and his country saying this will continue after he leaves office after next month’s election.

Addressing a joint sitting of parliament, Kikwete called for integration of East African Community countries to promote enhanced trade.

Kikwete also singled out fighting cross border crimes like terrorism and trade.

In the much awaited address to a joint house consisting of MPs and senators, President Kikwete said of key importanc, is collaboration to curb terrorism and expand trade.

Kikwete further urged Kenyans to foster peace, especially after 2007 poll chaos.

At the Airport, President Kikwete inspected a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Army before being entertained by troupes of traditional dancers and choirs.

The plane carrying the Tanzanian leader departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 6.00 p.m. was seen off by President Kenyatta and senior government officials.