REMARKS BY H.E MR. H. MUTUMA KATHURIMA, EBS, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ON THE OCCASION OF THE GIFHORN INTERNATIONAL WOMENS FESTIVAL, SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2007, GIFHORN, GERMANY
 

Hon. Ms. Njoki Ndungu, Member of Parliament, Kenya,  
Your Lordship, Mr. Birth, the Mayor of Gifhorn
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
 
It gives me great pleasure to join you in celebrations marking the annual International Women’s Festival 2007.
 
I thank the organizers for inviting the Embassy to participate in this festival.
 
All over the world women make enormous contribution in many aspects of life in our respective countries. Their role as farmers, teachers, nurses, domestic workers, politicians, volunteers, managers, mothers, home makers, child care workers, business executives and owners, has greatly assisted to shape the economies of the world.

Often understated is the role played by mothers in development. Women continue to bear primary responsibility for childcare and housework. This responsibility creates a foundation for all other economic, political and social life. In Kenya where the country experienced a 6% economic growth last year, the role of women in all nation-building activities is vital. The stability that Kenya has continued to enjoy over the years is partly due to women’s contribution in nurturing strong and responsible families.

I appreciate the charitable contribution of the Gifhorn International Women’s Group towards women’s development in various countries through their projects. We are thankful for the support extended by the Group to the disadvantaged women in Nakuru Town in Kenya, through micro-financing, capacity building and the provision of health care services.

Kenya is honored that the focus for this years Festival is on our country. I invite you to visit our three colourful stands, which are adorned with a selection of products and literature on Kenya. I am confident that through the interaction of participants from many nationalities taking part in this Show, women in Kenya will continue to benefit in many ways.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Kenya and Germany enjoy warm, strong and vibrant relations. Our friendship and partnership has enhanced mutual benefits to our people and States in the vital areas of trade, tourism and other spheres of development. Our Bilateral cooperation has been focused in three key sectors of reproductive health, water and agriculture. Our two Governments collaboration in these areas has given hope for a better future to many women in Kenya.

Once again, I wish to thank the International Women Club of Gifhorn, the Mayor of Gifhorn and his administration for a warm welcome.

I wish you all a pleasant evening.