Cooperation and integration are the future

A woman picks tea at Ruthiruini villlage in Othaya on April 18, 2013. "The future Kenyan-German development cooperation will focus on crucial areas such as agriculture, water
management, health services, renewable energy and energy efficiency". Photo/ JOSEPH KANYI 

In Summary

• Nobody should be condemned to poverty.
• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has promoted academic and intellectual exchange between our countries. Both Kenya and Germany profit from this cooperation
• Germany will continue to support Kenya in providing better services for all Kenyans, fighting poverty, and its aim to become a middle-income country.

By Andreas Peschke
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Today 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 past 50 years. It has ambitious aims for the next decades.

We wish its government and people the strength, endurance, and wisdom to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

Germany and Kenya are close partners and friends of long standing. Fifty 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 cooperation between our countries also dates back 50 years and has grown and deepened over the years.

On the eve of the jubilee celebrations, our governments today hold talks on our future development cooperation. Germany will continue to support Kenya in providing better services for all Kenyans, fighting poverty, and its aim to become a middle-income country.

The future Kenyan-German development cooperation will focus on crucial areas such as agriculture, water management, health services, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Germany’s development policy worldwide aims at improving living conditions for people in developing countries and emerging economies. Everyone should be able to live in dignity and freedom.

Nobody should be condemned to poverty. Germany appreciates the commitment of the Kenyan Government to implement the Constitution, in particular with regard to devolution and good governance.

Non-governmental cooperation remains an important pillar of our development collaboration. Since

September 2012, there has been an office of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya.

German companies believe Kenya is a country of immense economic opportunities. They welcome the government’s objective to create a more competitive, business-friendly environment. Private sector development and regional integration are crucial for transforming Kenya.

In the cultural and educational sphere, the German Goethe Institute has been present in Kenya even since before independence. It has helped thousands of Kenyans to learn German. Its library opens a gateway to German and European culture, thinking, and arts.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has promoted academic and intellectual exchange between our countries. Both Kenya and Germany profit from this cooperation.

At the German School in 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 has taught us that integration brings peace and prosperity.

Tunataka kuimarisha urafiki kati ya Ujerumani na Kenya. Tunataka kuendeleza ushirikiano. Tunataka kusherehekea sikukuu ya jubilee pamoja. Hongera, Kenya!

Mr Peschke is the German Ambassador to Keny