How 600 Kenyans Will Benefit From Kenya-Djibouti Direct Flights, Visa Free- Ruto

President William Ruto on Sunday, June 11 announced that Kenya is on the verge of securing a visa-free deal with Djibouti, adding that the two countries agreed to revive direct flights between them.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by his Djibouti counterpart, Ismail Omar Guellah, the Head of State lamented that the absence of direct flights between the two countries was a significant impediment to the desired trade between Kenya and Djibouti.

"As a solution, we have reached an agreement to focus on generating demand from both sides, aiming to resume direct flights; including the review of the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement, to address existing challenges.

"This restoration of air connectivity will undoubtedly have a profound impact on enhancing trade between our nations," he stated.

President William Ruto (Left) poses for a photo with the President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guellah (Right) on June 11, 2023. /PCS

President Ruto further expressed his commitment to scrapping the barriers necessitated by visa requirements for Djiboutian citizens travelling to Kenya and vice versa in order to promote physical interactions, trade and investment.

He announced that Kenya has concluded the necessary procedures to enable visa-free visits for citizens of Djibouti to Kenya.

Furthermore, Ruto announced 600 job opportunities for Kenyan professionals in Djibouti as part of the labour agreements reached between the two countries which will be courtesy of an established Joint Technical Committee in both countries.

"In order to improve coordination on labour migration and ensure predictability, we have agreed to accelerate the negotiation and finalization of a comprehensive labour agreement between our two countries. We recognize the immense potential for mutual benefit by harnessing Kenya's skilled workforce.

"In this regard, I express my gratitude to my esteemed counterpart for hosting over 600 Kenyan professionals in Djibouti. To facilitate this process, we have established a Joint Technical Committee dedicated to these efforts," he added.

The President also opened up on another agreement to expedite the negotiation of a framework that enables the reciprocal recognition of certificates issued by Kenya's respective institutions of higher learning.

He thus informed his counterpart Guellah that Kenya is extending an offer of 300 positions in its higher learning institutions to Djiboutian students, at the same fees applicable to Kenyan students.

Additionally, the two presidents engaged in discussions regarding support for English language training and its integration into Djibouti's curricula.

"Kenya is fully prepared to provide support and the necessary teachers to assist in this endeavour.

"Conversely, to enhance the language proficiency of Kenyan graduates who seek employment abroad, Kenyan Technical and Vocational Education Training institutions, as well as medical training colleges, will benefit from the inclusion of French language trainees from Djibouti," he went on.

Addressing digital connectivity, the Head of State stated that Kenya would review a proposal submitted by the telcos in Djibouti to sell undersea cables to Kenya.

“Taking into account technological advancements and the requirements of both parties, our respective institutions will convene in Nairobi within the next two weeks to advance the discussions on this matter,” he added.

Kenya and Djibouti signed four memoranda of understanding between the nations, such as an MOU to facilitate cooperation in the field of energy development.

The agreement entails sharing technical skills, techniques, experiences, information, documentation, knowledge, and materials between the parties through reciprocal participation, focusing on geothermal development.

"In line with this, I am grateful to my esteemed counterpart, H.E Omar Guelleh, for expediting the negotiation process, facilitating the establishment of necessary infrastructure and equipment, and initiating the implementation of the proposed Hanle Garabbayyis project. Under this project, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN) will drill two geothermal wells in Djibouti.

"KENGEN has already fulfilled phase one of the contract with the Office Djiboutien De Development De Energie Geothermique (ODDEG) and successfully drilled one geothermal well in the Galla Le Koma project's initial phase," Ruto announced.

President William Ruto (Left) walks with the President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guellah (Right) On June 11, 2023. /PCS