Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On Monday the 17th May 2010 the US Ambassador to Kenya H.E Michael Ranneberger paid a courtesy call to Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, Minister for Foreign Affairs. They discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues including economic development and investment, reforms agenda in particular progress on the new constitution and the impending referendum.

They underscored the existing strong partnership between the two countries, both bilaterally as well as in the Horn of Africa region. Hon. Wetang’ula emphasized Kenya’s strategic importance as a regional hub in addition to hosting two UN programmes- UNEP and UNHABITAT. He further pointed to the need for the US to enhance support in building the requisite infrastructure and facilities with a view to making maximum use of existing potentials. The Minister also called on the US to support the Government in strengthening international and regional organizations based in Kenya to ensure they meet their objectives and serve the region in the most effective way. This was in view of the fact that the US is a key partner and sponsor of a number of these international and regional organizations.

The Ambassador noted the importance of Kenya in US Foreign Policy as a bilateral partner and as an entry point to the region. He underlined the role Kenya has continues to play with regard to peace and security, refugees, piracy among others. Mr.Ranneberger welcomed the call for the US to support infrastructure and other facilities that enhance Kenya’s strategic role as a regional hub. The importance of International Organizations in Nairobi is brought in to sharp relief by the compelling push factors such as conflicts, which triggers large migration flows in the region, and covers the whole of the horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region which are hot spots for forced migration in the continent, said the Ambassador.

13 May 2010

Kenya's High Commissioner designate to Malaysia, H.E Samori Okwiya (second left), H.E. Zainol Rahim Zainuddin (left), High Commisioner of Malaysia to Kenya with other delegates during the symposium

A 14 -member delegation of businessmen from the Malaysian private sector is in Kenya on a three day trade and investment mission, to explore avenues of joint investment and commercial opportunities.

The trade mission which is composed of members from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers had an opportunity to network with a cross- section of the local business fraternity, during a full day Trade and Investment symposium organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers in a Nairobi Hotel. Among the local business associations present included the Kenya Association of manufacturers, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, the East African Business Council, Kenya Investment Authority and individual enterprises.

In a speech read on his behalf by Amb. John Lanyasunya, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Mr. Thuita Mwangi said that the government has instituted major structural reforms that have significantly improved investment opportunities, including cutting back on the bureaucracy for setting up new businesses in the country. He added that Kenya is the regional economic, commercial, and logistical hub, it offers the perfect launching pad into the 127 million people in the East Africa market.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tai Soong Hoong, the leader of the delegation said that the mission was encouraged by the potential of the Kenyan market and expressed confidence that the networks created would translate into fruitful business cooperation.

During the meeting, two Memorandums of Understanding were signed- a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers; and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce. The MoUs will strengthen the presence of Malaysian investors in Kenya and open up market opportunities for Kenyan goods in Malaysia.

Also present at the symposium was the, Kenya’s High Commissioner designate to Malaysia, H.E. Samori Okwiya and the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya, H.E. Amb. Zainol Rahim Zainuddin and the Chief Executive of Kenya Assocaition of Manufacturers Ms.Betty Maina

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Hon. Richard Onyonka awarding a certificate to one of the graduating Diplomats

The Ministry of Foreign affairs through the Foreign Service Institute held a graduation ceremony for officers posted to Kenya missions abroad at the Kenya Institute of Administration. The 54 officers underwent two weeks course to be multi-skilled diplomats, able to effectively promote economic, peace, environmental, Diaspora and cultural diplomacy.

Hon. Richard Onyonka, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, was the chief guest during the ceremony. Hon. Onyonka commended the diplomats as officers of high integrity and said they were a true representation of the Kenyan people. He reiterated on the need for the diplomats to enhance Kenya’s image internationally and promote Kenya’s national interests effectively.

The Minister further asked the diplomats to use the skills acquired during the training to engage the Diasporas effectively as they contribute immensely to the economy of the country. ‘The Diaspora will in the future be able to participate in election Voting as the government is working on a system to enable them vote electronically’ said the Minister. He encouraged them to develop innovative means of reaching out to Kenyans living in their countries of accreditation and encourage them to form Regional Associations to be able to leverage opinion and support for their interests and welfare of our country.