Ambassador’s statement on the 57th anniversary of Kenya’s independence day on 12th December 2020
Today is the fifty seventh anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kenya, a day popularly and fondly known as Jamhuri Day. Jamhuri Day also called Independence Day, is the most important national holiday in Kenya and is observed on December 12. The day takes its name from the Swahili word Jamhuri which means ‘republic”. December 12 is the date when Kenya obtained its independence from Britain in 1963. The day also formally marks the date of the country’s admittance in 1964 into the Commonwealth as a Republic. Today the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Algiers and indeed all Kenyans and friends of Kenya in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria are privileged to commemorate the 57th Anniversary of this momentous day. As Kenya’s Ambassador it is a great honour to me and to my country to celebrate in Algiers that glorious day when the flag of our republic was hoisted for the very first time.
We would have loved to host our friends in a formal reception as is our tradition but as you are all aware, the entire world is going through an extraordinary emergency. The world is facing Coronavirus (Covid-19), a disease of such rapid and dire impact last seen a century ago when an influenza pandemic claimed tens of millions of lives.As the pandemic sweeps through the nations of the world, different measures are being taken across the globe depending on every country’s unique circumstances. The mitigating effects on the spread of Covid-19 as guided by the relevant authorities prohibit mass gatherings of whatever nature. In the current circumstances, therefore, organizing an event and inviting a large number of people for this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations was impossible. In keeping with safety protocols in the face of the pandemic therefore, we could not hold any public celebrations this time.
The coronavirus pandemic has upended life as we know it with its devastating effects not only on health, but on domestic economies and multilateral trade, cooperation and aid. The pandemic has stalled economies and wiped out millions of jobs, leading the World Bank to predict a 5.2 percent contraction in global GDP in 2020. Governments everywhere are struggling to map out possible paths to recovery and there have already been calls for debt relief across the Global South.
The tourism sector has continued to be an important contributor to economies worldwide. Although the UNWTO had projected growth of about 3% to 4% in international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2020 based on the 2019 growth trends, economic prospects and the UNWTO confidence index, these projections are now in doubt due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Kenya, tourism remains the third largest contributor to GDP after agriculture and manufacturing. That is why the Government of Kenya developed tourism and travel health and safety protocols in response to Covid-19 as explained elsewhere in this supplement.
Regrettably, among the victims of COVID-19 might be the multilateral system and international organizations that have emerged since the Second World War to help ensure peace and coordinate global responses to challenges that cut across borders like the coronavirus pandemic. That the global economy has been upended, it is imperative that governments must cooperate to build more resilience. Covid-19 has demonstrated just how fragile these systems can be. The world remains apprehensive that a second wave of the pandemic could wipe out whatever economic gains countries are able to make.
Today fifty seven years ago, the people of Kenya witnessed the birth of an Independent State as a culmination of decades of the struggle for independence. This was an astounding feat achieved through a shared quest to liberate our homeland. Our patriots fought hard and gave their for it; they wrestled it out of the unwilling hands of a mighty world power and stood against what seemed insurmountable odds but nevertheless prevailed. As we commemorate this historic day and celebrate our sovereignty today, we wish to sincerely honour those who gave their lives so that we could be free; those who fought in the forests, valleys, mountain-tops and plains; those who guarded the young Kenya against adversaries; and those in modern times, who stand at borders, in our streets, in public offices, at home and abroad; defending and advancing our sovereignty and national interests. As a nation, we shall forever be grateful to our independence-era heroes for delivering a free Kenya and restoring our ability to govern ourselves and determine our own destiny. On a day like today, we are called upon to honour their commitment and sacrifice by being true to the ideals that they lived and died for, most especially the ideal of a united Kenya that is strong and prosperous with freedom and justice for all.
As we commemorate this historic day, I wish to appreciate Kenya’s relations with Algeria which date back to the struggle for independence. Various mechanisms have been agreed upon and signed between the two countries, foremost the agreement establishing a Joint Commission for Cooperation, which is poised to unlock further cooperation in sectors and bring these relations to a strategic level. We are looking forward to cooperate in the security sector with focus on integrated counter terrorism mechanism, border security and space science. In education; Kenyan students are increasingly taking up Algeria Government Scholarships in various disciplines including medicine, dentistry, architecture, science and technology.
This time last year when we were commemorating Kenya’s Independence here in Algiers, I reminded all and sundry that arising from the country’s commitment to global peace and security, Kenya had offered herself to serve as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2021-2022. As an affirmation of the steady progress that we are making and as a validation of our historical, tested and proven commitment to Africa’s positions and fulfilment of our obligations at the international level, Kenya was elected to the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2021-2022. Kenya is ready to serve and we commit to pursue our shared prosperity and advancement of humanity. It is through the cooperation of many that Kenya was successfully elected to the UNSC and will assume its seat on 1st January, 2021.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, I convey deepest gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations Organization for electing the Republic of Kenya to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2021-2022. I also wish to record my warmest appreciation to the people and Government of Algeria for their unwavering support. Kenya’s deep gratitude is enhanced because of the robust endorsement by Africa through the African Union, ensured its election success. With Kenya’s emphatic endorsement in 2019 by the East African Community the country began the journey with the brotherly nations of the Republics of Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Kenya secured its support from all corners of the continent, from Eastern Africa, North Africa, from West Africa, from Central Africa and from Southern Africa. At the end of our campaign on 16th June, 2020 His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta personally commended the Ambassadors from these countries and requested them to convey his personal thanks to his Brother Colleagues, Their Excellencies, in the region and beyond for believing in and entrusting Kenya with this solemn responsibility. We wish to reiterate that the support from Africa has been clear, consistent, resolute and unwavering. Kenya again formally expresses its deepest gratitude to Africa. Kenya shall partner with members of the Security Council, as one of the three African members of the United Nations Security Council. Joining the Security Council is not an isolated act for any African member state, but rather part of an ongoing relay to ensure collective African interests are effectively addressed. In recent years, the A3 have shown that, when presenting unified positions, they are more influential on the council, especially on African matters. For Africa in particular, membership is an opportunity to showcase coherent leadership in the world’s most important decision-making organ.
Further, we are acutely aware that Kenya’s election required support from all of the United Nations: from the Pacific, from the Caribbean, from Asia, from all the Americas, from Europe and from the Middle East. Let me once more take this opportunity to convey to all of them our warm appreciation and deep gratitude.
As has been said before by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta and reiterated by Honourable Raychelle Omamo the Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Kenya remains a safe pair of hands. They have reaffirm Kenya’s firm commitment to a rules-based ethos, buttressed by robust multilateralism, secured by the United Nations Charter and International Law. As the country ascends to the UN Security Council, Kenya anticipates continued support to ensure global peace and security for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
I wish to note that Kenya’s election to the UNSC coincides with the Seventy Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations. To that effect we have published in this supplement the Reflections about the UN on its 75th Anniversary by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta and a Congratulatory Message to the UN from Honourable Raychelle Omamo the Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs. We have also run Kenya’s milestones since joining the UN in 1963.
It has been severally observed that at independence, Kenya was a nation of hope and potential. We are glad that Fifty-Seven years later, we are steadfastly the gatekeepers of our liberty; our nation is a Beacon of freedom, a lighthouse that continues to shine the way for other African nations. In many ways Kenya has become Africa’s model. The ideals of freedom, democracy and prosperity that we have built over Fifty-Seven years, are helping in shaping our region and beyond.
At the dawn of the Republic, we stood at about 8.9 million Kenyans; today we are a Nation of 47 million strong. We, the People, remain Kenya’s greatest strength and resource. Our unity amid diversity, our national and social values, our status as a regional hub, cultural melting pot, our heritage and splendour, our unmatched reputation for being a country that provides shelter and safe-harbour for those fleeing turmoil in their home countries; these ideals of our founding fathers, are alive and well in today’s Kenya.
Kenya’s greatness is embodied in the spirit of those who went before us. We are inspired by the ideals of the independence generation and empowered by the resolve to always be better, just and progressive. As a nation we are trying to turn every hurdle into a stepping stone, every challenge into an opportunity and every obstacle into a bridge for a better future for all. Since we attained Independence, Kenya continues to grow by leaps and bounds, growing from strength to strength, buoyed by a devolved structure of governance that has accelerated development across the republic. We have continued to build on years of steady progress, to achieve national renewal and rebuild the bonds of brotherhood among our peoples, by weaving a new and stronger fabric of patriotism and nationhood. With this national endeavour, the wealth, security, democracy and vitality of our republic will distinguish us. Kenyans will remain united to drive the remnants of poverty, disease, illiteracy, inequality, division and conflict from our nation. The monumental task towards sustainable development can only be achieved if we remain united, focused and driven by the desire to always put our country first.
A lot has also happened on the economic front. At independence, Kenyans inherited a country stripped bare by a colonizing-power whose only intention was to extract. We inherited a country beset by poverty, illiteracy, poor health and chronic under-investment in infrastructure and social amenities. We were more of a colonial relic, whose identifying marks were inequality, injustice, poverty, exploitation and oppression. Fifty seven years later, we can look back with pride at the important milestones we have achieved and the tremendous steps we have taken. Kenya was this year ranked as the third largest economy in Sub-Saharan African. The Government of Kenya is on course to realize its Vision 2030, which is to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a higher quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment. The government specifically crafted a Big Four Agenda to accelerate achievement of this overriding objective. This agenda focuses on a decent roof over many more heads at affordable cost; affordable healthcare for all; food and nutrition security for all Kenyans, job creation and economic growth through manufacturing.
I wish also to touch on the business conditions in Kenya. We are making Kenya secure and an attractive destination for investments. I am pleased to acknowledge that Kenya’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease-of-Doing-Business Index keeps on improving. Since 2013, we have improved by 80 positions globally and remain on course towards becoming the top 50 countries this year. We are proud of our achievements. Evidently, no other country has seen such a sustained and large improvement in ease of doing business over the same period. This positive change has been most felt by our Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; who have benefited from our culture of being an open and listening Government that is attuned to the needs of enterprises. The remarkable progress in the ease of doing business has been due to our reforms in the processes of establishing businesses, issuing construction permits, acquiring electricity, as well as the ease in accessing credit, paying taxes and trading across borders. We have also increased investment in the energy sector, embraced ICT, and sustained the war against corruption. The institutionalization of these reforms will continue to cement and secure Kenya as a steadfast economic powerhouse in Eastern and Central Africa.
There is no doubt, however, that the pace at which the economy is growing is not fast enough, to keep pace and to absorb all the graduates released to the job market every year. To accelerate economic transformation, Kenya focuses on other salient factors that are holding back the potential of our enterprises; particularly with regard to taxes and tax administration, reduction or where possible elimination of fees or charges levied by government agencies as well as the private sector, reduction of bureaucracy and the simplification of processes in trade, access to credit and streamlining consumer protection assurance.
We in Kenya are strong believers that Regional and continental trade is the building blocks for international trade. We are encouraging the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While the agreement entered into force legally last year, it is unfortunate that commerce due to have started on 1st July, 2020 has been delayed as the COVID-19 pandemic set back negotiations to lay the foundation for trade in goods, including tariff concessions. When fully operational by 2030, it could be the world’s biggest free-trade zone by area, with a potential market of 1.2 billion people and a combined gross domestic product of $2.5 trillion. Increased trade could revive economic activity that has been affected by the virus, which has also highlighted the need for regional value chains across Africa and enhanced manufacturing capacity on the continent. It is sad that Africa lags behind other regions in terms of internal trade, with intra-continental commerce accounting for only 15% of the total, compared with 58% in Asia and more than 70% in Europe. The agreement is meant to help change that, aiming to lower or eliminate cross-border tariffs on 90% of goods, facilitate the movement of capital and people, promote investment and pave the way for the establishment of a continent wide customs union.
Kenya’s education is also something to be proud of. The country chose to undertake sustained investments in education. Where once education was the preserve of the elite, we now pride ourselves as a nation with one of the highest levels of literacy among our peer-nations. In Africa, Kenya boasts the highest rate of Primary-to-Secondary School Transition, now at 100%. When our learners sit down to acquire knowledge and discover their full potential, they do so guided by a new world-class Competence-Based-Curriculum that extensively utilizes digital learning platforms fit for the learning practices and demands of the 21st Century. Our education system has also witnessed a rapid expansion of tertiary education; both in terms of access and scope. Our universities, polytechnics and vocational training institutions ensure that every Kenyan has an opportunity to further their knowledge and expertise; fuelling livelihoods and enabling passions and dreams. The bounty of Kenya’s superlative human capital, not only drives our own society and economy, but also those of other nations. Our highly-educated citizens are much sought after all over the globe. To signify the changing fortunes of our homeland, Diaspora remittances keep on growing and almost overtaking earnings from export of tea and coffee as the country’s largest source of foreign exchange. Indeed we are ever proud of our Diaspora wherever they are.
Over the last few years, Kenya has undertaken unprecedented enhancement in infrastructure which has seen the expansion of the road network, airports, sea and lake ports and laid the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR); ensuring a diversity in transportation. Coupled with an extensive telecommunication network infrastructure that features some of the highest internet speeds anywhere in the world, a Kenyan in even the most remote parts of our country can travel quickly and conveniently and can receive goods and services wherever they are, whenever they wish. As a multiplier effect, this enabling infrastructure has made Kenya a global leader in the arena of mobile technology. We have revolutionized mobile banking, FinTech and the integration of cutting-edge technologies with the traditional economy. Thanks to technology, transactions are now majorly conducted remotely from the palm of our hands and Government Services (Huduma) are requested and received on mobile devices across every last centimetre of our country. Not surprising, the world has come calling and Kenya has hosted numerous global conferences and international exhibitions, which have enhanced Kenya’s visibility globally.
In matters environment, we have made it our solemn duty to conserve our environment for current and future generations. As an affirmation of the progress we have made and in honour of our solemn and sacred duty, Kenya was ranked fifth globally and top in Africa in the annual Bloomberg Climate Scope Index for the year 2019 in recognition of our credentials in green energy.
For all what our country has achieved, we will forever remain indebted to the freedom fighters who braved the awful conditions of the forests to wage a righteous war for independence against the colonizing power. Therefore, we are here today to celebrate men and women who either resisted the invading colonial forces, or confronted them once they established their rule, or helped build the blessed nation of Kenya after we expelled the colonizer. We are their descendants; their greatness flows in our blood and their sacrifice forged our bones. May God bless Kenya.
Thank you.
Amb.Peter Katana Angore, OGW
Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Algeria