Uhuru Kenyatta arrives in Juba - May 23, 2013

The President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has pledged to deepen economic ties with South Sudan in a bid to enhance development in the two countries, according to Kenyan media.

“It is the commitment of his government to encourage greater collaboration with the regional partners, especially South Sudan, as the region edges towards a federation,” said President Kenyatta.

Mr. Kenyatta was speaking at the commissioning of berth number 19 at the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa.

The berth is one of the largest on the East African coastline — with the capacity to handle larger ships.

The Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner, Beatrice Memo said that South Sudan, being a big importer in the region, will benefit greatly from berth number 19 as it will bring down high costs and shorten time to clear goods at the port.