Burundi–Kenya relations

Burundian–Kenyan relations

Burundi	Kenya

Burundi–Kenya relations are bilateral relations between Burundi and Kenya. Burundi is a partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy. In 2011, both countries signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement to promote development and technology transfer in agriculture, livestock and fisheries development between them.

Overview[edit]

During the Burundian ethnic clashes, a significant number of Burundians took up refuge in Kenya. Burundi, along with Kenya, is one of the Swahili-speaking states in the African Great Lakes region.

In September 2007, Kenya opened a resident mission in Bujumbura.

The Presidents of Burundi and Kenya have on multiple occasions made state visits to each other's country.

On 1 July 2007, Burundi became a full member of the East African Community (EAC).^{[citation needed]}

Additionally, Burundi joined the EAC Customs Union on 6 July 2009. It has since then has been a strategic partner in terms of customs and trade integration.

Development cooperation[edit]

Kenyan firms have operations in Burundi. Some of which are Kenya Airways, Kenya Commercial Bank (Burundi) and Diamond Trust Bank.^[1]

Under current and previous programmes the Kenyan government has on multiple occasions helped build the capacity of Burundi government officials in major state and transport organs. These include:

• Students have undergone training in Kenya at the expense of Kenya Port Authority.^[1]
• OBR staffs had been trained by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
• Burundi Defence Force have undergone training at the Kenya Military Institute.
• Staffs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Burundi) have been trained in Kenya at the Institute of Diplomacy.

Both countries have also signed the following BTAs and MoUs:^[1]

• Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments signed in February 2009
• Agreement on Bilateral Air services (BASA)
• MoU on Defence matters
• MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries done in November 2011
• MoU on High Education, Science and Technology
• MoU to modernise the Bujumbura Port by the Mombasa Port

Additionally, EAC countries are working on building a standard gauge railway link that would go through Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali. The line could be extended to Bujumbura in the future. Works began on the Kenyan section of the rail line in December 2014.

Diplomatic missions[edit]

• Burundi has an embassy in Nairobi.
• Kenya has an embassy in Bujumbura.

See also[edit]

• African Free Trade Zone

References[edit]