The First Vice President Taban Deng Gai has told Kenyan business community not to entirely pull out their operations in South Sudan.

Mr Deng, who was speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday after meeting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, said the Transitional Government of National Unity wants to shift from overdependence on aid to relying on the economy.

He said currently South Sudan has no sole source of income, and that the country depends on humanitarian aid from the international community.

Kenya is the biggest banking partner of South Sudan –with banks such Kenyan Commercial Bank, Equity and Cooperative holding major investments in South Sudan.

“We do not have industries; we do not have commercial farm produce like you do. Do not leave us; we need to build the economy with your support,” said the FVP.

He stated that TGoNU is expediting the security arrangements by focusing on unifying forces and training a Joint Police Patrol for Juba in order to ensure security for the business community and the residents.

Mr Deng went on to say the implementation of the agreement is on track due to his “good” working relationship with President Salva Kiir.

“I’m not delaying the implementation of peace -waiting for anybody, I am to the task. I managed to create harmony now in the Presidency in the government of national unity. We are moving forward,” he added.

Taban Deng was accompanied on a one-day visit to Kenya by the Minister of Defense, Kuol Manyang, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr Elia Lomoro, Minister of Gender and Social Welfare, Awut Deng, and the Minister of Petroleum, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth.

The FVP and his delegation held a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at the State House before addressing the Kenyan media.

The Presidential Press Unit of Mr Kenyatta said the President was “briefed on the efforts by the Government of President Salva Kiir to implement the peace accord in line with the IGAD recommendations”.

Taban reiterated his pledge to step down upon the return of Dr. Riek Machar to Juba as required by the IGAD communiqué of July, 2016.

“I’m also telling you if my stepping down can bring peace to South Sudan, I’m ready when time comes. If Riek comes and he conditioned that for the country to have peace that he must return to the palace [J1] we shall discuss that,” he told the media.

He, however, said Dr Riek Machar will not be allowed to command a huge army -as before- upon his return to Juba.

“That Riek, if you go back to your office this time, you don’t have huge army to move with you; this time you listen to the voices of the people that people of South Sudan will not need crisis any longer,” he concluded.