Britain and the US have pledged their support for Kenya. Their ambassadors told Members of Parliament in Mombasa that they would continue supporting Kenya’s development and expansion of democracy.
UK High Commissioner Christian Turner described the relationship between Kenya and his country as “a modern one” and said he would work to ensure more Britons visited Kenya.
“I am determined to do my part to support the President’s goal for expanding tourism and have pledged to increase the number of our visitors,’’ Dr Turner told an induction workshop for members of the National Assembly at Leisure Lodge in Diani, South Coast.
The envoy also gave a commitment to double British business to Kenya by 2017.
“We are the second largest bilateral donor to Kenya, contributing Sh17 billion by 2014. We are Kenya’s second biggest export market after Uganda with total trade in excess of Sh130 billion. I have committed to double that by 2017,” he told the workshop.
His US counterpart Robert Godec said his country would support Kenya as it strives to meet set goals and to surmount challenges facing it such as youthunemployment, low economic growth, better and more foreign and localinvestments.
“We believe, as you do, in the future of Kenya. I promise you that the US will stand with Kenya. We can, and we will, work with you to build a better, brighter future for both Kenyans and Americans,’’ he said.
The envoys praised the progress made by the new parliamentary system and urged the MPs to work for the benefit of the wananchi.
On the cases facing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, Mr William Ruto, Mr Godec said his country welcomed the President’s “commitment to cooperate with international obligations.”
The diplomats, in response to MPs’ questions, welcomed the presence of China in Kenya and Africa in general, saying it would not affect relations between them and the country.
Dr Turner said: “Today, the Britain-Kenya relationship is a modern one. It is based on mutual respect, partnership and shared interests. The colonial era has passed. To talk of foreign interference, who needs each other more or of East versus the West is to miss the point. In the multi-polar world we are interrelated and our interests are intertwined.”
