Security tops agenda of Israeli PM's Kenya visit

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in Kenya on Monday for the first time where peace and security top his three-day visit in Nairobi.

Kenya's State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said on Sunday both Kenya and Israel have also worked together in protecting their territories from the shared demon of terrorism.

"Kenya and Israel have long recognized that terrorism poses a global threat, and that it demands a global answer. That is why, over the years, we have worked together to protect our democracies, and to defeat extremism at home and abroad. We will continue that cooperation," Esipisu said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

He said the Israeli PM's visit comes at the invitation of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who extended it during his visit to Israel in February.

"This is his first stop on a tour of Africa. That he has chosen to start his visit here reinforces Nairobi's position as the gateway to the continent," said Esipisu.

The East Africa nation has established ties with Israel and collaborated on projects such as the ongoing maize irrigation project.

During his visit to Israel, President Kenyatta held fruitful discussions with Netanyahu, which took in matters of security, counter-terrorism, irrigation, energy, and agriculture.

"The same issues remain at the heart of this visit's agenda. The President is also keen to deepen trade and investment between Israel and Kenya, and he will be looking to engage the Israeli business leaders who will accompany Premier Netanyahu on this visit," Esipisu said.

He said a number of instruments and agreements governing investment and taxation have been negotiated by Kenya and Israel.

"During this visit, President Kenyatta and the Israeli Prime Minister will sign or reaffirm these agreements," he added. Enditem