05/10/2026
Ruto Reaffirms Kenya’s Support for South Sudan’s Elections
NAIROBI, October 5, 2026 — Kenyan President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s support for South Sudan as the country prepares for its first general elections since independence.
Ruto made the commitment during bilateral talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit at State House in Nairobi on Monday.
The two leaders discussed South Sudan’s electoral preparations, with Ruto commending the launch of the Inter-Party Dialogue and urging political parties to maintain dialogue and build consensus on election-related issues.
President Kiir said South Sudan had completed the necessary legal steps for the elections, while administrative, logistical and financial preparations were ongoing.
The leaders also discussed regional security and economic cooperation, including opportunities under the LAPSSET Corridor.
Kiir further asked Ruto to help reduce charges on containers destined for South Sudan and accelerate the operationalization of the dry port allocated to South Sudan in Naivasha.
Ruto pledged to direct relevant Kenyan institutions to work with the South Sudanese government to address the issues.