State House explains President Uhuru’s visit to Rwanda

State House has issued an elaborate plan of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s engagement during his visit to Rwanda.

In a statement sent to media houses, State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said during President Kenyatta’s one-day visit on Thursday, he will engage with other leaders in the progress made in the implementation of projects that deepen integration and improve people-to-people relations, as well as significantly improve intra-regional trade.

The Northern Corridor Integration Projects bring together Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo have been attending as observers but the Northern Corridor countries have said they are ready to accept them as members at an appropriate time.

“Over the past two and a half years, there has been tremendous progress in infrastructure development in the region as a result of the direct involvement of the leaders in the Northern Corridor Integration Projects,” read the statement in part.

“Some of the tangible results already attained are movement in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya using only Identity Cards, harmonised fees for university education, one-visa regime for tourists, and no-employment permits between Kenya and Rwanda.”

He further pointed out that movement of goods and services from Mombasa to Kampala and Kigali is now faster, taking significantly fewer days, saving businesses in neighbouring countries millions of dollars.

“In terms of deepened investments, Kenya is the largest African investor in the neighbouring countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, showcasing the right policies that are driving business growth in the country itself and in the region as well.”

He further pointed out at progress in other areas under review including the construction of Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Rwanda, through Uganda, establishment of the One Network Area (ONA) and reduction of roaming charges since July 2015 and plans to e-Tourism, e-Visa and e-Immigration services.

Over and above government loans that have funded ongoing projects, invitations have been extended to the Private Sector to participate in the implementation of Northern Corridor Infrastructure Projects through Private–Public Partnerships (PPP). The three countries are examining the options available.

He stated that the sale of power from Kenya to Rwanda is set to commence in April 2016 using the existing 132 KV transmission line with the construction of a 400 KV transmission line between Uganda and Rwanda underway.

“Additionally, an agreement has been signed with Ethiopia regarding the transmission of electricity to Southern Africa. A 200 MW interconnector (DC line) from Ethiopia will pass through Suswa Substation. It is anticipated that this interconnector line will pass through Kenya and Tanzania through to Zambia.”

“Discussions are ongoing between Uganda and Kenya on the construction of the Hoima–Lokichar–Lamu crude oil pipeline, which is due to commence in the coming months.”

The plane carrying the president and his delegation touched down at Kigali International Airport shortly before 9am local time.