Uhuru and Kerry hold talks on security, Obama visit

President Uhuru Kenyatta met with US Secretary of State John Kerry Monday to discuss investment, security and president Barack Obama’s upcoming visit.

Also on the agenda were security issues in Somalia and South Sudan, in particular the threat from al-Shabaab and the fate of Somali refugees in Kenya.

Kerry said the US had agreed to provide an additional $45 million (around Sh4.2 billion) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support efforts at the Dadaab camp in Garissa County.

He also pledged $5 million (around Sh473 million) to support justice and reconciliation efforts in South Sudan, including creating a mechanism to bring perpetrators of crimes to justice.

During the meeting at State House, Nairobi, the two leaders discussed the ease of doing business in Kenya and opportunities for American firms.

President Kenyatta said Kenya's business environment ranks highly in the region, adding that his government wanted to see more American companies investing in ICT, energy, infrastructure and healthcare.

“We want to build an entrepreneurial spirit and want to bring prosperity to our people. To do this we are ready to partner with Americans to invest in our country to create more wealth and jobs,” the president said.

On the subject of terrorism, Kenyatta said the country requires support in training, equipment and surveillance. He also said that the government needs to work more closely with the US to control financing of of the vice.

The two also discussed efforts towards ending the stalemate in South Sudan as well as the stabilisation of Somalia.

Secretary Kerry appraised the President on US initiatives in ending the stalemate in South Sudan and to support Somalia. President Kenyatta also informed Kerry of efforts by IGAD leaders to end the conflict in South Sudan.