The governments of Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo have strengthened the relationship between the two countries through signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing the two countries’ relationship in trade and security.
This occurred during President Kenyatta’s three-day state visit in Kinshasa. This visit was aimed at enhancing the two countries’ relationship in trade and security. On matters trade, citizens were encouraged to invest in the two countries, especially now that the DRC is enjoying peace within its borders. The areas identified for investment in DRC include insurance, aviation, hospitality and mining and construction.
Two major undertakings between Kenya and DRC will facilitate this vision. First, was the signing of the Kenya Airways and Congo Airways agreement. This partnership covers the areas of the countries’ mutual interest, including aircraft maintenance and the training of airline personnel.
Other benefits
It is also concerned with sharing of excess capacity between carriers as and when they occur. Also established is a mutual understanding regarding the sustainability of the airlines with particular focus on code and route sharing towards envisioned expansion within the continent and globe.
Tied to this is the agreement on maritime freight through which the DRC intends to reposition the Port of Mombasa as DRC’s main exim gateway. This will ensure that the country’s transit cargo is handled in Mombasa, facilitating jobs and other benefits for the two countries.
In addition to these developmental agreements, Kenya’s Equity Bank has rebranded itself in the DRC in a bid to serve the population better. Equity Bank entered the Congolese banking market in 2015 and has since established itself as one of the top banks in the country.
Regional security and maritime transport
President Kenyatta presided over the inauguration of its rebranded Equity Commercial Bank of Congo’s office block in Kinshasa. This move is expected to enhance its image and service delivery in the host country even as it solidifies its position through mergers and acquisitions.
Kenya and DRC have also signed pacts on the enhancement of regional security and maritime transport. The two presidents witnessed the signing of four framework cooperation agreements which, when fully implemented, will enhance the safety and economies of the two states.
Key amongst them is the general cooperation agreement for the promotion of technical, scientific and socio-cultural programmes. This is important for future cooperation to enable better co-existence and skills sharing between the residents of the two countries.
The other agreements touch on matters security and provide mechanisms for cooperation between Kenya and DRC in immigration, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism and customs and border control. This is significant in the background of threats of extremism within and without the two countries.
This partnership could influence the East African Community engagements, especially after President Kenyatta urged President Tshisekedi to consider joining the EAC. Africa also stands to benefit from continued mutual and beneficial relationship as the two countries promote the African agenda across the region, continent and the world.
