Kenya Airways will resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, starting March this year, following a bilateral agreement between Kenya and Angola. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a meeting between President William Ruto of Kenya and President João Lourenço of Angola at the Angolan presidential palace in Luanda. This development marks a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
In addition to the resumption of flights, Angola has committed to waiving visa requirements for Kenyan citizens, a move that reciprocates Kenya’s earlier gesture. President Ruto highlighted the benefits of this arrangement, stating, “This move will enable our professionals like teachers to access Angola much more easily.”
Regional and Continental Cooperation
During their discussions, the two leaders addressed critical issues affecting the African continent, including peace in the Great Lakes region, institutional reforms of the African Union (AU), and the upcoming elections for the AU Commission chairperson. President Ruto, tasked by fellow African heads of state to spearhead AU reforms, extended an invitation to President Lourenço for a retreat in Kenya later this month. The retreat is intended to set the stage for the AU Heads of State Summit scheduled for February.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of the Luanda Process for Peace in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They advocated for a joint meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to strengthen the initiative. “Peace and security in our continent is of paramount importance to us all, and we are keen to have a process that incorporates all and ensures its success,” President Ruto remarked.
President Ruto further sought President Lourenço’s support for former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the AU Commission chairperson position.
Trade and Economic Relations
The meeting also explored avenues to enhance trade relations between Kenya and Angola. Both countries are keen on leveraging their partnership to boost economic growth and create opportunities for their citizens.
President Ruto’s visit to Angola followed his attendance at the inauguration of President John Mahama in Accra, Ghana, earlier this week. Accompanying President Ruto were Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.
This high-level meeting underscores Kenya’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties and promoting regional stability and development. As preparations for the resumption of Kenya Airways flights to Luanda progress, the collaboration between the two nations is poised to deliver tangible benefits for their citizens.
