South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is in Nairobi for high-level talks with President William Ruto, with discussions expected to focus on South Sudan’s December elections, regional stability and economic cooperation.
Kiir travelled to Nairobi on Sunday, October 4, in his first visit to Kenya since the dissolution of South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity on September 23.
The country is preparing for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.
Focus on upcoming elections
According to South Sudan Presidential Press Secretary Arek Ajou Deng, Kiir’s discussions with Ruto will focus on preparations for the elections and measures required to ensure a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process.
The visit comes at a critical stage for South Sudan, which is emerging from a prolonged transitional period.
Kiir opened an inter-party dialogue last month as political parties and other stakeholders considered electoral issues ahead of the December vote.
Kiir is also expected to seek Kenya’s support for the electoral process as South Sudan engages neighbouring countries and regional institutions on preparations for the polls.
The two leaders are further expected to discuss economic and infrastructure cooperation, particularly following the launch of the $16 billion Dangote refinery project in Lamu last week.
Economic cooperation discussions
The South Sudanese presidency says the talks will examine the respective roles of Kenya and South Sudan in supporting the refinery’s operations and strengthening related economic partnerships.
The Lamu project is being positioned as a major regional energy and infrastructure investment, with the refinery expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day when completed.
The project is also intended to serve markets across East Africa, including South Sudan.
Kiir’s visit also comes amid continuing questions over the security and political environment ahead of South Sudan’s elections.
Security concerns ahead of elections
The dissolution of the transitional government has raised concerns about the country’s fragile peace process, while the detention of opposition leader Riek Machar and other political tensions remain significant issues surrounding the planned vote.
For Nairobi, the talks provide an opportunity to reinforce its role in South Sudan’s peace and political processes while deepening economic ties with its northern neighbour.
The discussions are also likely to place Kenya’s regional infrastructure ambitions under focus, particularly the development of transport, trade and energy links connecting South Sudan to the Kenyan coast and the wider East African market.
According to the South Sudan presidency, Kiir’s visit is intended to reaffirm Juba’s commitment to regional cooperation and peaceful elections while strengthening its engagement with Kenya and other regional partners.
With just over two months to the scheduled December 22 vote, the Nairobi talks put South Sudan’s electoral transition and its wider regional implications firmly on the agenda between the two neighbouring countries.
