12 December 2024, Islamabad( Kamran Raja ): Honourable Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Chief Guest.
Your Excellencies,
Ambassadors and Representatives of International, Organizations in Pakistan, Kenyan Diaspora in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is with great pleasure and humility that I welcome you all this evening as we gather to celebrate our National Day commonly referred to as Jamhuri day.
Jamhuri, is a Swahili word for republic, it signifies the momentous occasion when Kenya became independent. Kenyans are honoured by your presence as we celebrate this great day.
I wish to start by thanking the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the warm reception that I was accorded on my arrival in this beautiful city of Islamabad two months ago. Shortly after my arrival, I was facilitated to present my credentials to the President within two weeks. This enabled me to quickly settle to assume my duties..
As we commemorate Kenya’s 61s Independence Day, we do honour and reflect on the remarkable contributions of distinguished Kenyans who sacrificed themselves to liberating our nation. Along the same spirit we also recognize all Kenyans, and friends who have steadfastly been our partners and instrumental in shaping our country’s growth to this date.
Over the sixty-one years of independence, Kenya embarked on a journey of nation-building, under pinned on fostering a peaceful, stable, and unified society
that contributes positively to humanity nationally and globally. The efforts focus on sustainable progress in all spheres of social, political and economic development.
As a growing nation, in 2022, Kenya commenced an ambitious visionary development framework. The framework target key sectors, which include Agriculture, infrastructure, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), healthcare, housing, and the Digital Superhighway and Creative Industry. This initiative presents a wonderful opportunity to investors wishing to invest in Kenya.
Kenya is ranked position 56 globally in the World Bank ease of doing business index, has well developed infrastructure and skilled man power. These make her an attractive investment destination for both the developed and emerging markets like Pakistan. Due to this attractiveness, numerous multinational investors have chosen Kenya as their regional and continental headquarters.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll not forget to mention Kenya has an extraordinary natural beauty, topography, wildlife, sandy beaches, rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of its people. She has a pleasant climate characterised by sunny days and mild evenings all year round, making it as a popular choice destination for investors, tourists and travellers from across the globe. The country hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five: Our national parks and game reserves are vibrant ecosystems, offering some of the most spectacular and memorable wildlife experiences and safaris in the world.
Among the remarkable experiences that Kenya offers is the Great Wild beast Migration. The famous annual spectacle that happens in the Maasai Mara
National Reserve. It is a breathtaking phenomenon where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and various antelopes traverse the savannah in search of better grazing grounds climaxed by dangerous river crossing while battling the predators. This awe-inspiring event draws visitors from all corners of the earth.
Kenya has a Pan-African vision, that believes on the idea of shared common interest, achieving social and political equality, economic development and unity.
As a result, Kenya is a member of regional economic organization namely the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and African Continental Free Trade Area (ACTA) that presents even a great market opportunity for Pakistan investors. We are strong proponents for, peaceful coexistence, humanitarian, and pandemic interventions including climate change advocacy.
As we commemorate our National Day today, we also celebrate the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, for being an invaluable friend and trading partner. Over the years both countries have enjoyed cordial relations founded on mutual respect, growing economic ties and cooperation at multilateral arena. Pakistan opened diplomatic mission in Nairobi in 1964 while our mission was opened in 1984 in Islamabad. Kenya is one of the largest trading partner in Africa for Pakistan while Pakistan is one of the largest export market for Kenya.
There is great potential in all spheres of bilateral relations with the Islamic Rep of Pakistan and Kenya is committed to deepening the relationship with Pakistan. we have over the years collaborated across multiple sectors, namely trade, security, defence, and education. Our joint initiatives in these areas have not only
strengthened our unity and common objectives but also cultivated goodwill and collaboration. Kenya will continue exploring other areas to unlock the great potential.
As I conclude, I reaffirm our commitment to the foundational vision and aspirations of the founding fathers of our nation. We are also committed to deepening our political and economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
I express my gratitude on behalf of the Kenya High Commission, my family, and the Kenyan diaspora in Pakistan for joining us to celebrate this significant milestone for our nation.
My sincere gratitude to my dedicated staff at the High Commission, whose tireless efforts have made this event possible.
I also thank our partners who were involved in today’s preparation, the sponsors and Serena hotel management and their dedicated staff.
I wish you a pleasant festive season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
GOD BLESS KENYA, GOD BLESS THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN