Kenyan Internal Security Minister Chris Murungaru called yesterday for early defence agreements between Kenya and South Africa, saying these were crucial to peace-building in Africa.

The two countries, with their peacekeeping experience, should "lead the way for the continent to realise security from countless conflicts that have bedevilled it over the years," Murungaru said.

"Our two countries have to move very fast and set the ball rolling on the issue, since our two presidents have already shown their willingness for such cooperation...," Murungaru told South African defence chief, General Nyanda Siphiwe, who called on him yesterday.

"Too much diplomacy should not slow the process," he added.

Siphiwe noted that cooperation between Kenya and South Africa had already promoted student exchanges between the countries' respective military training institutes. – Sapa.