Kenya and Sierra Leone finalized seven bilateral agreements during President Julius Maada Bio's state visit, including a joint commission framework and memoranda covering political cooperation, trade, wildlife tourism, gender equality, agriculture, and youth development.
The accords were formalized at State House Nairobi on Monday, following a 21-gun salute and Kenya Air Force guard of honor for the visiting leader. President Uhuru Kenyatta emphasized mutual benefit through enhanced ties, while Bio acknowledged Kenya's role in Sierra Leone's peace process.
Sierra Leone's president highlighted Kenya's contributions to the 1999-2006 UNAMSIL mission, which included Kenyan troops deployed as KENBATT contingents. Five soldiers died during the operation, with Bio honoring their memory at a UN Peacekeepers Day event. Lt. Gen. Daniel Ishmael Opande, who commanded UNAMSIL from 2000-2003, later led UNMIL in Liberia until 2004.
Bio expressed gratitude for Kenya's 20,000-tablet donation supporting Sierra Leone's 2021 census, while Foreign Affairs Minister David Francis noted economic collaboration potential. The visit coincided with Kenya's Madaraka Day celebrations, where Bio was set to deliver a keynote address.
