By Winnie Kamau
30 years Kenya’s long silent-strong relationship with the United Kingdom has been reawakened with the visit of Prime Minister Theresa May since the last visit by Margaret Thatcher the then Premier in 1988.
This visit has come with goodies that will put a smile on exporters and businessmen in Kenya as PM Theresa May promised that Kenya will retain duty-free and quota-free access for its exports to the United Kingdom market post-Brexit. The assurance by the Prime Minister will put to rest jitters amongst businessmen who have had long trade ties with the UK.
The BREXIT will see the UK finalizing its breakaway from the European Union end of March 2019.
Another smile on Kenya’s face is the boost on the fierce war on corruption Uhuru’s government which has just recently seen the Deputy Chief JustKenya Philomena Mwilu arrested and expected to prosecuted over graft allegations.
A key agreement on the framework for the return of assets from corruption and proceeds of crime hidden in off-shore accounts by corrupt individuals was signed between Kenya and UK.
Britain becomes the third international partner- after Switzerland and New Jersey- to support Kenya’s war on graft through the signing of agreements aimed at repatriation of assets and monies acquired through corrupt deals back into the country.
While thanking the British Government for its commitment to the fight against graft, President Kenyatta said there was no turning back on the war on corruption and economic crimes
“There is no turning back in Kenya on this agenda. Fighting corruption is an important aspect for my legacy besides the Big 4 agenda” Adding “The sustained drive is part of my legacy in addition to the Big 4 agenda on affordable housing, universal health care for all, manufacturing, food security and nutrition” said President Kenyatta.
On her part, Prime Minister May said that besides repatriation of the proceeds of corruption, her government will support efforts to prosecute and conclude all major corruption cases in the country.
“We welcome your commitment and drive to fight corruption. We stand with you. Whatever is held in the UK will be returned to build Kenya,” said the Premier.
President Kenyatta and the Prime Minister May also witnessed the signing of a second agreement on the renewal of security pact between the two countries.
The agreement will enable Kenya to receive critical support for border control and aviation security through training programmes and equipment for border, airline and immigration staff.
Other areas of co-operation under the agreement include countering violent extremism, terrorism, and trans-national crime through sharing of information and profiling of major masterminds and beneficiaries of these crimes.
On Kenya’s desire to secure a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council, the British PM said her country will work with Kenya to ensure it achieves its intended goal.
The PM noted that Britain and Kenya have had a long trade and investment partnership which will be enhanced under the post-Brexit arrangement.
PM May who led a strong 29-member delegation of business executives said trade links between the UK and Nairobi will continue to be strengthened to enhance economic partnerships adding that many investors from her country have an appetite for investing in Kenya.
President Kenyatta said Kenya is looking forward for more investments from both its traditional and new partners to meet its socio-economic agenda.
“We are not going out there with a begging bowl. But to partner with those who are willing to come along with us, Kenya has an attractive business and trade environment for both local and foreign investments,” said the President.
The President asked Britain to support Kenya’s blue economy initiatives as it is central to the country’s sustainable resource use both for the current generation and for posterity.
Uhuru thanked the UK for accepting to participate in the forthcoming Blue Economy Conference scheduled to be hosted in Nairobi in November by committing to contribute an estimated USD 3.5 Million.
On regional security and peace, the British Prime Minister lauded Kenya’s efforts to stabilize Somalia and the signing of a peace deal in South Sudan under AMISOM and IGAD respectively.
Prime Minister May said that through security cooperation between the two countries Britain has managed to put behind bars terrorists and child traffickers adding that Britain will soon announce a new aid package in support of AMISOM forces in Somalia.
