Uhuru bids farewell to diplomats, lauds efforts in bilateral relations

Deputy President William Ruto (L), out-going Ethiopian ambassador Dina Mufti Sid (C), out-going US ambassador Robert Godec (C) President Uhuru Kenyatta and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma line for a photo during the farewell meeting for the diplomats. [Photo: Courtesy]

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday bade farewell to the departing US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec, and his counterpart of Ethiopia Dina Mufti Sid in State House, Nairobi.

President Uhuru lauded the growth in bilateral relations between Kenya and USA, and Kenya and Ethiopia, saying that these countries gained a lot during the time that the diplomats served.

On his twitter page, he states: “I commended the envoys for strengthening relations between Kenya and their respective countries during their tour of duty.”

As a case, Uhuru pointed out to Kenya’s co-operation with the US in multi-sectoral projects as the gains realized in renewed relationship between Nairobi and Washington.

He further notes: “Kenya and the US witnessed expanded relations across all sectors of cooperation including health, food security and transport, key among them being the launch of direct flights between Nairobi and New York.”

Kenya’s relationship with the US thrived during the Coalition Government led by former President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. However, when President Uhuru came to power in 2013, the relationship between two countries became frosty, thanks to Uhuru’s ‘Look East Policy,’ in which China came into the picture as new friend to Kenya.

In October 29, 2019, the relationship got a facelift after Kenya launched a historic direct flight to New York, just to harness the economic bilateral relations.

Mr Godec will be replaced Mr Kyle McCarter, who was served as a missionary in Lebanon.