PHOTO CREDIT: Embassy of South Sudan in Nairobi
(NAIROBI) – South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Anthony Louis Kon, held a high level meeting with Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Regina A. Ombam, on 1 August 2025.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, addressing logistical challenges affecting cross border commerce and advancing regional integration. Ambassador Kon reaffirmed South Sudan’s recognition of Kenya as a critical trade partner, particularly through access to the Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor, which are essential channels for South Sudan’s imports and exports.
He shared updates on his recent engagements with various trade and logistics stakeholders in Kenya, including cargo handlers, customs authorities, freight forwarding companies and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
These efforts, he said, are part of the Embassy’s broader initiative to reduce trade bottlenecks and promote investment links.
Kon also raised the issue of trade imbalances, stressing the need to increase South Sudanese exports to Kenya and integrate more South Sudanese entrepreneurs into the Kenyan business environment. He identified sectors such as agriculture, petroleum based products and construction materials as areas of mutual trade potential.
In response, Principal Secretary Ombam welcomed the Ambassador and noted that economic diplomacy is central to Kenya’s approach to regional development. She affirmed the ministry’s commitment to removing trade barriers, strengthening ties within the East African Community (EAC), and supporting business to business collaboration between the two nations.
Ambassador Kon proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Sudan’s Embassy in Nairobi and Kenya’s Trade Ministry. He suggested joint initiatives such as business forums, trade fairs and investor awareness campaigns.
He also proposed the creation of a unified support platform for South Sudanese entrepreneurs based in Kenya to help ease access to credit, streamline registration processes, and clarify legal documentation requirements.
The meeting also addressed key logistical and regulatory issues affecting South Sudan’s trade flow through Kenya:
| Issue | Impact on Trade |
|---|---|
| High bond and shipping costs | Increased cost of goods for South Sudanese businesses |
| Empty container return to Mombasa | Double transport charges and worsening trade imbalance |
| Delays in Naivasha Dry Port permit approvals | Slower movement of goods and missed efficiency goals |
Ambassador Kon urged Kenya to review bond requirements and fast track permit processing for the Naivasha Dry Port project, which is seen as a critical facility for improving trade logistics between the two countries.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Government of South Sudan to enhance trade infrastructure and security, particularly along the Lokichoggio–Nadapal corridor, a key transit route.
In a gesture aimed at further deepening bilateral engagement, Ambassador Kon invited Ms. Ombam to visit Juba for talks with South Sudanese officials and to explore opportunities for institutional collaboration.
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