Kenyan President William Ruto met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit at State House in Nairobi on October 5, 2026. Ruto encouraged Kiir to pursue dialogue and consensus among South Sudan's political leaders ahead of the country's general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. Kenya pledged to support preparations for the elections, which aim to end South Sudan's prolonged transitional period since gaining independence in 2011.
The elections in South Sudan have faced repeated delays. Recently, Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and national legislature on September 22, and appointed a caretaker administration following amendments to the electoral law. This move raised the stakes for political dialogue as South Sudan prepares for the polls under a power-sharing arrangement established by a 2018 peace deal that ended five years of civil war.
The African Union and other regional and international actors have called for a peaceful transition and credible, inclusive, and transparent elections in South Sudan. Ruto stated that Kenya stands ready to support South Sudan in this endeavor while encouraging dialogue and consensus among all parties. He expressed satisfaction with the strong relations between the two nations and their plans to open more opportunities for trade and investment.
Kiir's office reported that he informed Ruto that South Sudan had completed the necessary legal steps for the elections, with logistical and financial preparations underway. An inter-party dialogue is ongoing, with Kiir urging political parties to build consensus on election-related issues. Ruto welcomed the dialogue and encouraged South Sudanese parties to maintain negotiations.
The two leaders discussed regional economic cooperation, including reducing charges on containers bound for South Sudan and operationalizing a dry port allocated to the country in Naivasha. They also emphasized the importance of credible elections for peace and security in the region. Kiir arrived in Nairobi on Sunday for his first known foreign trip since dissolving the transitional government.
Kiir's visit followed reports circulating on social media about his health, although his office has not publicly commented on the matter. Ruto thanked Kiir for South Sudan's participation in the recent launch of the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
The meeting between Ruto and Kiir highlights the significance of Kenya's support for South Sudan's electoral preparations and the importance of dialogue among political parties. The outcome of the elections will have a substantial impact on the country's stability and future development. Key initiatives, such as the Dangote East Africa Refinery, demonstrate the potential for regional economic cooperation and growth.
Key points
- Kenya pledges to support South Sudan's electoral preparations.
- Ruto urges South Sudanese leaders to pursue dialogue and consensus ahead of elections.
- The two leaders discuss regional economic cooperation and stress the importance of credible elections.
