As we celebrate the 44th Anniversary of our Independence on December 12th 2007, we should be proud of our country's remarkable achievements. An important ingredient of a Nations progress is its stability. The Government and all Kenyans should be commended for maintaining un-interrupted peace over the years.

One of the most significant achievements of His Excellency President Kibaki's administration is the rapid growth of the economy, which this year is expected to reach 7%. Various reforms undertaken by the Government and the private sector have been responsible for this growth. In the last four years, the Kenya Government's income has trebled enabling it to not only substantially decrease our country's dependence on donor aid but also accomplish President Kibaki's pledges to Kenyans in agriculture, health, education, rehabilitation and expansion of infrastructure and water projects, electrification, security, employment, poverty reduction etc.

I will highlight a few milestones realized in some of these sectors. The revival of the Kenya Cooperative Creameries, the Kenya Meat Commission and the establishment of the Cotton Development Authority and Coffee Development Fund have enormously catered for farmer's needs in these key sectors. The number of health institutions has increased by more than 1000, hence the distances patients have to travel to receive medical care have been reduced. The drugs for malaria, TB and HIV-AIDS are free in our public health institutions. In addition, children of five years age and below are treated free.

As a result of free primary education more than eight (8) million children are now enrolled in our schools. Rehabilitation and upgrading of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about to be completed at a cost of ten (10) billion Shillings whilst that of Kisumu Airport will cost 2.6 billion Shillings. More than 940 electrification schemes spread in 191 Constituencies are expected to be completed this year. The schemes are targeting trading and health-centers, schools, police stations community projects etc. For instance, in the North Eastern Province, 16 boarding schools and 47 secondary schools have been provided with solar power.

Due to Kenya's vibrant economy that has resulted in a high increase of disposable income coupled with the low costs of handsets, the subscriber base of Kenyans who own cell phones has risen from four (4) million in 2005 to seven million in 2006. Water services have been de-centralized to give more management control to the local communities. In the arid areas of the Country, over 300 boreholes and an equal number of dams and pans have been rehabilitated and developed.

In addition to the projects I have mentioned above, through the Constituency Development Fund (CD.F), all Constituencies receive devolved funds from the Government to enable them undertake projects of the people's choice. last year, 54 billion shillings was disbursed through the CD.F.

In order to improve security, the recruitment of police and administration officers has been doubled. The force has been supplied with motor vehicles and communication equipment and the terms and conditions of service have been improved. However. many challenges remain but the Government is confident that with everyone's contribution its efforts will bear fruit.

To sustain its progress. Kenya needs to maintain its friends and partners regionally and internationally. As an active Member of the East African Community, IGAD and COMESA, Kenya is pursuing diverse projects that are aimed at improving the quality of life of its people. Kenya's partnership with Germany in political, economic, trade and cultural areas is strengthened by the robust bilateral links that have characterized our relationship over the years. Currently this partnership is focused in three areas namely; agriculture, reproductive health and water. Between 19th and 20th February this year, Kenya/Germany Bilateral Negotiations were held in Nairobi successfully. At the conclusion of this meeting the Federal Republic of Germany extended 71.8 million euros to support projects in these key sectors.

The Kenya Government attaches great importance to the role of the Diaspora in Nation building. Kenyans living outside the country are estimated to be 1.8 million. In recognition of the great potential and the contributions already being made in our countries progress by the Diaspora, Kenya's Foreign Policy Strategy has identified Diaspora Diplomacy as one of its key pillars. The Strategy aims at utilizing the positions and talents of outstanding citizens and tapping into the skills and the resources of Kenyans living abroad. In addition. the policy aims at promoting accessby Kenyans to the international labor market.

The Embassy is keen to offer its services to all Kenyans and other clients efficiently and has therefore made the delivery of services through the best practices a critical part of its functions. I am delighted to note that most Kenyans live respectable lives in Germany and have integrated well as residents. I am deeply appreciative that a number have been involved directly in welfare organizations and projects that have been beneficial to our nation.

In order to protect our freedom and build on the progress achieved in our country. it is essential to be united. Above all, despite our differences let us respect and speak well of our motherland and truly display in spirit and deed ""NAJIVUNIA KUWA MKENYA".


H. Mutuma Kathurima
Ambassador.
Berlin,
December 2007