Kenya Airways is set to resume direct flights to Luanda, Angola, starting this March. The announcement followed a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and Angolan President João Lourenço at the presidential palace in Luanda, signaling closer diplomatic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
In a related move to boost bilateral ties, Angola plans to waive visa requirements for Kenyan travelers, mirroring Kenya’s earlier decision. “This initiative will make it easier for Kenyan professionals, such as teachers, to access opportunities in Angola,” President Ruto stated.
The leaders also addressed critical regional and continental matters, including peace in the Great Lakes region, reforms of the African Union (AU), and next month’s election for the AU Commission chairperson. President Ruto, tasked with leading AU reforms by African heads of state, extended an invitation to President Lourenço for a retreat in Kenya later this month ahead of the AU Heads of State Summit in February.
Regarding the Luanda Process for Peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, both presidents emphasized the importance of a joint initiative between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to advance regional stability. “Peace and security on our continent remain paramount, and we must work collaboratively to ensure success,” President Ruto noted.
President Ruto also sought Angola’s support for former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the AU Commission chairperson position.
Additionally, the leaders explored ways to enhance trade relations between Kenya and Angola. President Ruto, who arrived in Luanda from Accra, Ghana, where he attended the inauguration of President John Mahama, was accompanied by a high-level delegation. His team included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.
The resumption of direct flights and strengthened ties mark a significant milestone in deepening cooperation between Kenya and Angola.