Jacob Zuma In Kenya: What Kenyans Expect

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa is in Kenya for a three-day state visit that will come to an end on Wednesday. The plane carrying the famous man from the land of the Zulu touched down in Kenya on Monday.

South Africa, having overtaken Nigeria as Africa’s largest economic powerhouse, the visit is of great significance to Kenya. Kenya and South Africa have been trade buddies and the visit is seen as a strong way to improve the trade as well as the bilateral relations between the two countries.

In the last few months, the relationship between Kenya and South African almost went into the red when South Africa introduced some strict rules on the visa application something which was seen as intentionally locking out Kenyans from visiting South Africa.

Among countries that Kenya heavily imports from in the world, South Africa is ranked fifth with the majority of the imports being cars as well as clothes. South African investors in the country however feel that the cost of doing business in Kenya is too high and the two heads of state are expected to address the issue during their bilateral talks. Kenya exports tea, vegetables, hides and skins to South Africa.

According to a statement released by State House on Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta, through his talk with his South African counterpart, will be seeking the re-opening of the export of avocados from Kenya to the South African market.

Kenya is said to have a huge capacity of avocado production, majority of which are sold locally with the international market only consuming a small percentage. Avocado famers are optimistic that the opening of the South African market will greatly benefit them in terms of returns.

South Africa also has one of the best university education in Africa, with some of them ranking among the best in the world. Earlier, there was a request from the Kenyan government which was agreed upon by the South African government, to be allowing Kenyan students to attend South African universities with visas that cover the whole study duration as well permanent residency. The issue is yet to be implemented and the students are optimistic about it.
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