Let’s toast to 55 years of two Ks friendship

This year marks 55 years of friendship between the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Korea.

Over this period, our bilateral relations have witnessed continuous development in a variety of areas, ranging from economic co-operation to cultural exchange.

These interactions continue to draw Kenya and Korea closer to each other.

Having been in Kenya for almost a year now, I see the two Ks (Kenya and Korea) share many things in common. For instance, both countries share a passion for education.

Following the greatly destructive Korean War in the 1950s, education became a key priority at the individual and national levels.

Human capital investment through education and training enabled the country to achieve remarkable economic success.

Today, Korea is the 12th largest economy in the world and tops global charts in both the quality and quantity of education.

Although Korea is one of the most industrialised countries in the world, our past poverty, a mere 60 years ago, is still very vivid in my mind.

It is with this fresh memory that I embrace the spirit of co-operation with other countries by sharing the lessons Koreans have learnt.

Given our great emphasis on education, the Korean government has partnered with Kenya in various projects in the ICT sector geared toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Recently, the Korean government launched the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) at Konza City.

This centre is modelled on KAIST in Korea–a world renowned scientific research institute, which has underpinned much of Korea’s technological development.

Our aim is to help Kenya nurture not only national and regional champions but also global ones in various fields through co-operation in science and technology, leading to inclusive growth and a narrowing of the digital divide.

Korea is keen to see Kenya transform into a middle-income country under its flagship ‘Vision 2030’ initiative.

Food security, one of the key pillars of the Big Four agenda which supports Vision 2030, has been supported by Korea through the Korea Project on International Agriculture (KOPIA).

Through Kopia, Korea has shared its best practices with small-scale farmers in the field of new technologies which will enhance agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency.

One of KOPIA’s flagship projects is the development of a chicken-rearing facility in Mbiuni, Machakos County, which has led to a 13-fold increase in community income since its establishment.

By taking this small but meaningful step, it is my sincere hope that Korea can continue to contribute to the capacity building of the other pillars under the Big Four such as manufacturing, healthcare and housing.

Korea’s commitment to Kenya’s development is also exemplified by the recent establishment of a Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) office in Nairobi.

KIND seeks to support global infrastructure and urban development for sustainable growth through global public-private partnership business engagements—an appropriate financing tool for Kenya to avoid debt issues.

Cultural exchange is another major aspect of our co-operation. Consequently, the embassy hosts Korea Week every year, featuring a number of cultural events.

We have already kicked off the Korean Film Festival.

The Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) Fashion Show will take place this evening at the Safari Park Hotel.

Korea Week will continue into next week with the holding of a K-pop Singing and Dancing Competition as well as the Taekwondo Championship.

Additionally, we have recently launched a Korean television drama series through local media to give Kenyans a taste of Korean popular culture.

Just as I wish to introduce our culture to the Kenyan people, Koreans have similarly embraced Kenyan culture.

For instance, Korean 6th graders learn Kiswahili songs such as ‘Jambo Bwana’, introduced through our school music textbooks.

A fusion of both rich and vibrant cultures of Kenya and Korea will contribute to the growth of Afro-Asian culture.

Kenya has made significant political and economic reforms over the past few decades.

Although the country still faces a number of challenges, I sincerely believe that Kenya has the potential to be one of Africa’s success stories, based on its socio-political stability and its young and skilled workforce.

Thus, this is a critical moment to expand and advance Kenya-Korea co-operation to fully unleash Kenya’s potential and to forge ahead with an all-round cooperation.

The two Ks have built friendship and trust and have achieved great outcomes through exchanges and co-operation over the last 55 years.

I hope the scope of this relationship can be expanded to the counties for future inclusive prosperity.

I am happy to join Kenya on this path to success. May our co-operation continue! Umoja ni nguvu!

Mr Yeonghan is Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Kenya