Kenya president flies to Burundi for COMESA summit

NAIROBI, Kenya

President of Kenya, William Ruto has travelled to Burundi on Thursday morning, October 31, to attend the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government in Bujumbura. 

In a statement by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, this year's summit will celebrate the 30th anniversary of COMESA which marks a vital trading bloc for the continent. 

With a combined market of 640 million people and a GDP of Ksh.128 trillion, COMESA provides a substantial market for Kenya which currently holds a 12.4 per cent share of the regional market, second only to Egypt.

Between 2019 and 2023, Kenya's exports to COMESA grew by an 8.9 per cent margin, indicating the potential for regional trading partnerships. 

During the summit, President Ruto is expected to engage in bilateral trade talks as he enhances strategic partnerships with other heads of state. 

"He is also scheduled to meet with the Presidents of Egypt and Zambia, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, among others," the statement read in part. 

"The discussions with Egypt will focus on enhancing the Kenya-Egypt partnership, with a joint commitment to increase trade between the two nations."

"His bilateral meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will explore avenues to facilitate trade, including the formation of a Joint Trade Committee to address and resolve non-tariff barriers."