Kenya Airways is set to resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, starting March this year, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing diplomatic and economic relations between Kenya and Angola. The announcement followed bilateral talks between President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, at the presidential palace in Luanda on Wednesday.
The direct flights are expected to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between the two nations. To further ease travel, Angola committed to waiving visa requirements for Kenyans, reciprocating Kenya’s earlier decision. “This move will enable our professionals, like teachers, to access Angola much more easily,” President Ruto said.
The two leaders also discussed pressing continental issues, including institutional reforms of the African Union (AU), peace in the Great Lakes region, and the upcoming elections for the AU Commission chairperson. President Ruto, tasked by African heads of state to spearhead AU reforms, invited President Lourenço to a retreat in Kenya later this month. This retreat will precede the AU Heads of State Summit in February.
On the Luanda Process for Peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the presidents emphasized the importance of a collaborative meeting between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to consolidate peace initiatives. “Peace and security in our continent are paramount, and we aim to ensure the success of inclusive processes,” President Ruto affirmed.
Additionally, President Ruto sought Angola’s support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the AU Commission chairperson position.
President Ruto’s visit to Angola followed his attendance at President John Mahama’s inauguration in Accra, Ghana. Accompanying him were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Anne Waiguru and Gladys Wanga, Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.
This renewed partnership underscores Kenya’s commitment to fostering regional stability, advancing AU reforms, and enhancing trade and travel links across Africa.
