S. African president on three-day visit to Kenya

South African President Jacob Zuma will undertake a state visit to Kenya, the first by a South African head of state since the end of apartheid in 1994, the Presidency announced on Monday.

The visit, from Oct. 10-12, will enable South Africa to deepen economic, political, cultural and social relations with Kenya, the leading economy in the East African region, said the Presidency.

The visit will further provide a platform for both countries to review progress on key areas of bilateral cooperation, which include trade and investment, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development, said presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga.

Zuma and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta will exchange views on important regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern, said Ngqulunga.

Kenya is an important partner for South Africa in the advancement of inter- and intra-African trade and investment. South Africa is Kenya's fourth source of imports, with South African exports amounting to 8.3 billion rand (about 610 million U.S. dollars) in 2015.

Currently, over 60 South African companies are operating in Kenya, and South Africa is the 6th largest investor in Kenya.

The two countries are scheduled to sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of defence, police, home affairs, environment, revenue services, and infrastructure development.

The signing of these instruments is an indication of South Africa's determination to enhance the bilateral relations and serves as confirmation of its desire to forge a strategic partnership with Kenya, said Ngqulunga.

During the visit, Zuma will also address South Africa-Kenya Business Forum, which will provide a platform to further explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries and support the interaction between the public and private sectors. Enditem