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BUSINESS: Kenyan and Burundian governments have inked a raft of agreements to strengthen co-operation between the two East African nations.

The agreements, which were signed in the lakeside city of Kisumu and presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta and visiting Burundi counterpart Evariste Ndayishimiye, focused on agriculture, public service, foreign affairs, trade, sports and culture. 

According to a statement issued after the signing, the two countries also resolved to prioritise education in their post-Covid-19 recovery plans and reiterated their commitment to the progress of the East African Community (EAC).

Kenya and Burundi are both member states of EAC which launched a common market in 2010. 

Bilateral ties

The two leaders also agreed to review the 2018 Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation agreement with a view to ensuring expeditious implementation of agreements agreed upon as part of efforts to strengthen Kenya-Burundi bilateral ties.

Addressing the press shortly after leading their respective delegation in bilateral talks, President Kenyatta said the two countries have agreed to strengthen and deepen their long-standing fraternal relations with the aim of fostering sustained socio-economic development.

“The co-operation between our two countries is built on a solid foundation of shared values and principles; to foster sustained socio-economic development and transformation of our two countries, a vibrant and united East African Community, and an integrated and prosperous Africa,” he said.

The head of State said  there are enormous untapped business opportunities between Bujumbura and Nairobi, and directed relevant ministries to review and address bottlenecks inhibiting growth of trade and investment between the two East African countries.

Meanwhile, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Burundian  Federal Chamber of Commerce entered a deal seeking to harness viable business opportunities.

The memorandum of understanding aims to ensure that Kenya and Burundi collaborate in creating an enabling environment not only for cross-border trade, but also to support the operation of the African Free Continental Trade Area (AFCTA).

The agreement was signed by KNCCI president Richard Ngatia and Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Audance Ndayizeye on Monday.

Under the partnership the two chambers will establish a joint business council to strengthen the relations between Kenya and Burundi businesses, improve the trade and share investment opportunities.   – Noven Owiti  and Xinhua