Parliamentarians in Kenya and Uganda have raised concerns over the killings of civilians in South Sudan.

The legislators from the two countries expressed worry over the continuation of violence and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.

In Kenya, the Parliament has endorsed the deployment of additional Kenyan Defense Forces troops for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The Kenyan National Security Council wants the house to add the troops to the existing 690 Kenyan soldiers who are part of the UNMISS peacekeepers.

The government of Kenya Chief Whip, Aden Duale, who tabled the motion in the parliament, said Kenya has the obligation to intervene in the South Sudan’s conflict.

“The Comprehensive Peace Agreement known as the CPA; the custodian, the initiators, is the Kenyan government and the people of Kenya, and more so Mr. Speaker, we have a huge interest in the economy of South Sudan,” said Mr Duale.

Other members of parliament in Kenya also supported the motion for the deployment of additional troops in South Sudan.

“Because we share border with South Sudan; when there is a problem in South Sudan, we are the ones who carry the burden,” said an MP.

“The deployment of our troops based on law; both the Kenya Defense Force Act and the Kenyan constitution… it is important that we send out troops there,” said another lawmaker.

Last week, the Senate in Kenya approved the deployment of 310 soldiers for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The forces will help with the safety of civilians escaping to refugee camps.

In Uganda, the Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi, has appealed to the government of South Sudan and the SPLM-in Opposition to act with maximum restraint and avoid killing of civilians.