UK government vows to maintain working relationship with Kenya

Queen Elizabeth                PHOTO: COURTESY

By FAITH RONOH

The United Kingdom (UK) has expressed solidarity with Kenya and its leadership as the country marked its 50th birthday. The UK has also vowed to maintain its working relationship with the Kenyan Government.

In a speech read by the UK’s Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds yesterday, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of State of the UK said: “The links between our two countries have deepened and matured since Kenya’s independence, and long may that continue.”

Queen Elizabeth II congratulated Kenya for remaining united and building an all-inclusive society ready to shape the country’s destiny.

“On the occasion of the Republic of Kenya celebrating 50 years of independence, it gives me great pleasure to send the people of Kenya my warmest congratulations,” she said. She noted that her family has always enjoyed a special and significant relationship with Kenya over the years and across the generations.

“I would like to express my best wishes for the happiness, security and prosperity of the people of Kenya in the next 50 years and beyond,” she said. Queen Elizabeth II stayed at the famous Treetops Hotel, Nyeri, at the time of the death of her father, King George VI, which occurred in 1952. She was the first British monarch since King George I to be away from her motherland at the moment of succession, and also the first in modern times not to know the exact time of her accession because her father had died in his sleep at an unknown time.

“My family and I have enjoyed a special and significant relationship with Kenya over the years and across the generations,” she added.