Kenya on Wednesday inked seven bilateral deals with Zimbabwe which focuses on surging trade and investments.
In a statement, President Kenyatta said that the agreements will help the two countries to partner in addressing challenges facing them, especially youth unemployment.
Other issues that were discussed in the bilateral meeting that was held at Statehouse in Nairobi include women empowerment and community development as well as sports and recreation activities.
The two countries also signed all Memoranda of understanding (MoU) on political and diplomatic consultation, tourism and wildlife conservation, and civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents investigations.
‘’This MoU will go a long way in realizing this important development agenda. It seeks to promote a closer working relationship between our two countries in achieving the shared vision of women empowerment and community development, and also facilitate the sharing of knowledge, strategies, and technology for our women,’’ President Kenyatta said.
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The President also urged the International Community to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe, stating that the restrictions are hurting the nation while attributing Zimbabwe’s long-running economic crisis to the sanctions by western countries.
Zimbabwe has been under EU targeted sanctions since 2002 during the rule of President Robert Mugabe in response to human rights violations and alleged election rigging.
Last year the US extended the sanctions arguing that Zimbabwe has not changed under President Mnangagwa. The Zimbabwe president was however accused of trying to turn Zimbabwe into a one-party by dismantling the opposition and failing to rein in human rights perpetrators.
‘’Perpetrators of human rights violations should be swiftly brought to justice to end impunity. It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected,’’ the EU said.
Apart from the European Union, the united states and the United Kingdom have maintained targeted sanctions against the country.
Article by Jane Muia