Kenyan, Ethiopian leaders to discuss infrastructure, energy projects

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is due in Kenya on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, during which infrastructure and energy projects as well as security issues are expected to dominate his agenda.

Kenya's State House spokesman, Manoah Esipisu said President Uhuru Kenyatta and Desalegn will review progress on the work on the Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor project, which aims to transform infrastructure in the counties and towns across its path.

"The two heads of government will discuss energy-related projects and agreements; seek stronger cooperation on a range of matters, including border management and reducing human trafficking; and strengthen security cooperation, and deepening commitment to regional and international cooperation," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Both Ethiopia and Kenya have forces serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia, fighting Al-Shabaab militants. Al-Shabaab has carried out several bloody attacks in Kenya in recent years.

Ethiopia has not witnessed any major incident of terror attack as seen in Kenya, although it also shares a porous border with Somalia, including those areas where Al-Shabaab is active.

Esipisu said Kenya and Ethiopia were strategic partners and would use this opportunity to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.

"A Kenya-Ethiopia Business Forum, in which business leaders will seek to strengthen business-to-business relations, will be held on June 22," he said.

Analysts say industries in Kenya have a strong interest in the implementation of a Special Status Agreement signed by Kenya and Ethiopia in 2012. The agreement is aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.

Once the deal is fully implemented with the elimination of both tariffs and non-tariff barriers, market access between the two countries will be improved, therefore benefiting flow of goods and services. Endit