By ANDREAS PESCHKE
On 12 December, the Kenyan nation proudly celebrates 50 years of independence. This is a milestone in the history of the country, and a moment of joy for all Kenyans.
Germany wholeheartedly congratulates Kenya and its people on this anniversary. Kenya has come a long way in these last fifty years. It has ambitious aims for the next decades. We wish its government and its people the strength, endurance and wisdom to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
Germany and Kenya are close partners and friends of long standing. 50 years ago, Germany was the first country to recognise independent Kenya. Many Germans have since come and visited Kenya. Some have stayed. Many have come to help. The development co-operation between our countries also dates back 50 years, and it has grown and deepened over the years.
On the eve of the Jubilee celebrations, our governments today hold talks on our future development co-operation. Germany will continue to support Kenya in providing better services for all Kenyans, in fighting poverty, and in its aim to become a middle-income country.
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The future Kenyan-German development co-operation will focus on crucial areas such as agriculture, water management and health services. Another important field is the support for renewable energies and energy efficiency.
German development policy worldwide aims at improving living conditions for people in developing countries and emerging economies. Everyone should be able to live their lives in dignity and freedom.
Nobody should be condemned to poverty. In Kenya, we are committed to further support the implementation of the constitution which was an important turning point in the history of the country.
Germany highly appreciates the commitment of the Kenyan government to implement the Constitution, in particular with regard to devolution and good governance.
Non-governmental co-operation remains an important pillar of our develoment co-operation, as reflected in the engagement of German political foundations, the development work of German churches, and the engagement of non-governmental organisations in the humanitarian sector and beyond.
Since September 2012, there has been an office of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya. German companies believe in Kenya as a country of immense economic opportunities. They welcome the Government’s objective to create a more competitive, business-friendly environment.
peace and prosperity
Private sector development and regional integration are crucial for transforming Kenya. While Kenya is moving towards a middle-income country, private sector development and public-private partnerships become even more important in our economic co-operation.
In the cultural and educational sphere, the German Goethe Institute has been present in Kenya since before independence. It has helped thousands and thousands of Kenyans to learn German.
Its library opens a gateway to German and European culture, thinking and arts. Its popular cultural events in Nairobi have encouraged cultural exchange, and have helped to build bridges between our peoples.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has promoted academic and intellectual exchange between our countries. Many Kenyan students and researchers came to Germany. This has created an active intellectual network and has helped to build life-long relationships.
Both Kenya and Germany profit from this co-operation. At the German School Nairobi, Kenyan and German children share the experience of learning together.
They are probably the youngest, but sometimes the most efficient ambassadors of cultural exchange between our countries.
Politically, Germany and Kenya stand together in the fight against terrorism. Germans shared Kenya’s grief after the heinous attack on the Westgate centre. Germany supports Kenya’s drive for regional integration in East Africa.
Our own European experience taught us that integration brings peace and prosperity.
Tunataka kuimarisha urafiki kati ya Ujerumani na Kenya. Tunataka kuendeleza ushirikiano. Tunataka kusherekea sikukuu ya Jubilee pamoja. Hongera, Kenya!
The writer is the German Ambassador to Kenya.
