Leaders sign pacts on trade, security

Trade and security dominated talks between Kenya and the United Kingdom when the countries’ leaders met on Thursday in the capital city of Nairobi.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and UK Prime Minister Theresa May signed several agreements that would see trade relations between the two countries enhanced, with the UK reassuring the East African nation of market access after leaving the European Union. May also said that she wants Britain to be the biggest investor in the continent out of the Group of Seven nations.

The two also signed a security agreement aimed at fighting terrorism, with the UK committing to increasing military equipment to enhance border and aviation security, training and information sharing.

“The new pact will see us expand our joint work on security even further. Our joint military training promotes stability in the region and beyond and builds the continent’s capacity to be overcome its own challenges and deliver its own security,” said May.

In support of the African Union mission to Somalia, the prime minister pledged to announce a new package of funding. “We are glad that Kenya is calling for a transition from peacekeeping to a stronger Somali security force. This is what the UK wants too and as we work toward this, we are leading the world’s efforts to ensure the mission receives the needed funding to strengthen its battle against terror.”

In regards to the ongoing fight against corruption, the UK agreed to return of assets from proceeds of corruption and crime in Kenya. “Fighting corruption is critical to the attainment of our national priorities of boosting food security, ensuring affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare,” said President Kenyatta. Kenya has signed a similar agreement with Switzerland.

Kenya disclosed that it would be seeking support from the UK, the US and also China, three permanent members of the UN Security Council, for a twoyear nonpermanent membership at the council.

“Kenya’s contribution to peacekeeping is well known and we believe we can contribute in setting the agenda for global peace and security,” said Kenyatta.

On Wednesday, May held talks with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on the second leg of her maiden Africa tour, where both leaders oversaw the signing of agreements on a security partnership and economic development in the capital Abuja.