Burundi–Kenya relations

Burundian–Kenyan relations

Burundi
Kenya

Burundi–Kenya relations are bilateral relations between Burundi and Kenya. Burundi is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy. In 2011, both countries signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement to promote development and technology transfer in agriculture, livestock and fisheries development between them.[1]

Overview

During the Burundian ethnic clashes, a significant number of Burundians took up refuge in Kenya. Burundi, along with Kenya, is one of the Swahili-speaking states in the African Great Lakes region.

President Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) with, from left to right, Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Jakaya Kikwete of (Tanzania), and Pierre Nkurunziza (Burundi) at an East African Community Head of States Meeting

In September 2007, Kenya opened a resident mission in Bujumbura.

President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi has on multiple occasions made state visits to Kenya. Former President Mwai Kibaki and Incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta have made state visits to Burundi.

On 1 July 2007, Burundi became a full member of the East African Community (EAC).[1]

Additionally, Burundi joined the EAC Customs Union on 6 July 2009. It has since then has been a strategic partner in terms of customs and trade integration.

Development cooperation

Many Kenyan firms have operations in Burundi. Some of which are Kenya Airways, Kenya Commercial Bank (Burundi) and Diamond Trust Bank.[2]

Under current and previous programmes the Kenyan government has on multiple occasions helped build the capacity of Burundi government officials in major state and transport organs. These include:

Both countries have also signed the following BTAs and MoUs:[2]

Additionally, EAC countries are working on building a standard gauge railway link that would go through Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali. The line could be extended to Bujumbura in the future. Works began on the Kenyan section of the rail line in December 2014.

Diplomatic missions

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Kenyan president seeks to boost bilateral ties with Burundi. Global Times. January 7, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Bilateral trade agreement between Burundi and the Republic of Kenya. (PDF) February 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 10/1/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.