President Uhuru Kenyatta (second left) with Chief of Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi (left) before departing for Burundi on July 1, 2013. President Kenyatta was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. Photo/PPS 

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday said Kenya will continue to work closely with Burundi and other countries in promoting peace and security in the region and especially in Somalia.

Observing that troops from Burundi are part of the Amisom in Somalia, President Kenyatta stressed the need for African countries to work together in surmounting the challenges facing them.

President Kenyatta hailed Burundi for its contribution towards ensuring peace and security in the region.

Mr Kenyatta said Kenya would continue to strengthen cooperation with Burundi in order to enhance development for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

President Kenyatta was speaking in Bujumbura, Burundi where he attended the country’s 51st independence anniversary cerebrations.

He was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed among other senior government officials.