Media Statement
20 November 2021
President Ramaphosa to host President Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya on State Visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 23 November 2021, host His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya on a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
President Kenyatta will undertake the State Visit from 22 to 24 November 2021 at the invitation of President Ramaphosa.
South Africa and Kenya share longstanding, mutually beneficial relations that predate Kenya’s historic support for the struggle against apartheid and colonialism in South Africa.
The strategic partnership between the two nations is underpinned by common values and principles.
Both nations are committed to democracy, good governance and respect for human rights including the emancipation of women and the full realisation of gender equality.
South Africa established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1992, with a Joint Commission for Cooperation Agreement enabling the highest form of bilateral engagements conducted at Ministerial level.
Kenya recently held the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and reinforced Africa’s advocacy for reform of the Security Council and other multilateral fora.
President Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 23 November, host a Welcome Ceremony in honour of President Kenyatta at the Union Buildings.
The welcome will be followed by discussions between the Presidents.
President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s delegation to the Official Talks with President Kenyatta where discussions will range between bilateral, multilateral, economic, regional and continental issues.
Memoranda of Agreement on cooperation in International Cooperation and Relations, Home Affairs and Tourism are expected to be signed.
The two leaders will also address the South Africa–Kenya Business Forum to further explore new areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation.
President Kenyatta’s programme will include a visit to Transnet Engineering in Koedoespoort. This engagement will provide an ideal opportunity to showcase South Africa’s capability in the supply and maintenance of rail-related technology.
The Presidents will also discuss the latest developments around the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the important matter of vaccine manufacturing and distribution.
To this end, President Kenyatta’s programme will include a visit to the Aspen Pharmacare facility in Gqeberha on 24 November 2021 to demonstrate South Africa’s technical capacity to manufacture and distribute vaccines and other pharmaceuticals for a global market in accordance with international standards as well as to highlight areas of possible cooperation with Kenya.
Kenya is East Africa’s largest economy and South Africa’s largest trading partner in Africa outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
South Africa exported R7,5 billion’s worth of goods to Kenya in 2020 against imports of R329,5 million from Kenya.
There are more than 60 South African companies operating in Kenya, with investments in the financial services, real estate, food and beverages, entertainment services and hospitality sector, among others.
The media programme for the State Visit is as follows:
WELCOME CEREMONY
Time: 09h00 (Media to arrive at 07h00)
Venue: Union Buildings
Date: 23 November 2021
SOUTH AFRICA – KENYA OFFICIAL TALKS
Time: 10h00
Venue: Union Buildings
Date: 23 November 2021
MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY AND MEDIA BRIEFING
Time: 12h00
Venue: Union Buildings
Date: 23 November 2021
SOUTH AFRICA–KENYA BUSINESS FORUM
Time: 14h00
Venue: CSIR International Conference Centre
Date: 23 November 2021
Media interested in covering the State Visit are requested to send their details (names and surname, ID or passport number and media house) to Khutjo Sebata on 079 898 4621 or khutjo@presidency.gov.za by no later than 14:00 on Monday, 22 November 2021.
Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria