Kiir Travels to Kenya for Election and Economic Talks

JUBA, South Sudan — October 4, 2026

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit travelled to Kenya on Sunday for high-level talks with Kenyan President William Ruto, with discussions expected to focus on South Sudan’s December 2026 elections, economic cooperation and regional stability.

The trip is Kiir’s first outside South Sudan since he dissolved the transitional unity government on September 22 and established a caretaker administration. Presidential Press Secretary Arek Ajou Deng said the two leaders are expected to discuss preparations for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections scheduled for December 22.
Economic and infrastructure cooperation will also feature in the talks. According to the presidency, discussions will include the recently launched refinery in Kenya’s Lamu region and how South Sudan and Kenya could support its operation and related economic partnerships.
The visit comes as election preparations remain a major focus of South Sudan news, with regional partners closely watching the country’s political transition. Kenya has historically played an important role in South Sudan’s peace and regional diplomatic processes.