Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam FaridLt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter M. Njiru, High Commissioner hosted a grand reception. State Minister for Finance and Railway Bilal Azhar Kiyani was the chief guest. Other civil military officials, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, business community and media persons were also in attendance.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners were also present at the occasion. Dean of African Countries Ambassador Morocco , Mohamed Karmoun, the envoys of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunie, Syria, Portugal, Yemen, and many other countries attended the reception.
Ambassador Daniel Mumina Nganda mastered the ceremony that started with the national anthems of both countries. A ceremonial cade was cut by the guests with High Commissioner.
Minister in his address, conveyed the best wishes from people and government of Pakistan for the people and government of Kenya. He mentioned Kenya as a close partner of Pakistan in Africa. He said, Pakistan attaches great importance to her relations with Kenya.
Minister spoke highly about bilateral cooperation in different sectors and expressed keenness to further enhance mutual engagements to increase the volume of trade and investments. He mentioned that Pakistan held single country exhibitions in Nairobi and recently successfully completed the intergovernmental dialogue to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Minister suggested both countries can explore new avenues of trade than tradition Tea, Rice and Textile. He said, Pakistan is following Look Africa policy and Kenya is our major partner in the continent.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter M. Njiru, High Commissioner, in his welcome address shed light on the background of the day and thanked the guests to participate in the ceremony held to mark the auspicious day of his country.
“Kenya attained its independence on 12th December 1963 a day that we celebrate with pride. This celebration is a significant moment in Kenya’s history; it reminds us the sacrifices made by our fore fathers who laid their lives to fight for our independence, H.E shared.
He added, “It also calls us to reflect with honor on the aspirations they had for our country. We also pay tribute to them, those who laid the foundation of our country and those who have continued to contribute to the extraordinary developmental journey of our nation to this day.”
The theme for this year’s Jamhuri Day is “Tourism, Wildlife and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE),”.
The host H.C said, “This theme resonates with one of Kenya’s greatest assets: our natural heritage, cultural richness, innovation, and our sitting as a premier destination for global gatherings and dream holidays.”
” Kenya, after independence undertook to build a foundation for future generations and lasting prosperity. Today, 62 years on, Kenya continues to enjoy stability, democratic maturity, and economic vitality. Kenya remains dedicated to inclusive development, global and regional peace initiatives, climate resilience, and the pursuit of shared prosperity for all its citizens. This is what makes us a nation whose social fabric is well founded with a common goal of reinforcing and building the foundations for future generations, the High Commissioner emphsized.
“Kenya has experienced a significant transformation. Over the years, we now enjoy growth driven by the resilience, creativity, and determination of our people. Our country has developed into a regional economic centre, driven by substantial progress in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, technology, and services.”
Major infrastructural projects upgrades have strengthened Kenya’s position as a gateway to East and Central Africa. Our growing digital economy has established Kenya as a leader in fintech, earning it the nickname Silicon Savannah.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter M. Njiru, High Commissioner
Indeed, Kenya has established herself as a key player in Pan Africanism and global citizenry, multilateral peace, security and development frameworks as advanced by the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) East African Community (EAC) and other regional bodies. It has played and continues to play, a leading role in resolving regional and international conflicts within the UN, AU, and other multilateral frameworks.
Kenya has experienced the vagaries of climate change and is a leader in adaptation and mitigation with about 93% of electricity generated from renewable energy (geothermal, wind, and solar) and prioritized low carbon resilient investments to reduce its already low-level green gas emissions. We also foster strategic partnerships in science policy, technology, innovation and development of adaptive climate resilient strategies.
Kenya Pakistan Relations
On bilateral relations and cooperation, the High Commissioner noted, Kenya values greatly the cordial relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The longstanding and friendly relations a founded on mutual respect, cooperation and shared values. As we commemorate this historic day, I wish to appreciate the contribution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in our struggles and development. Our relations continue to grow across various sectors.
“Indeed, Pakistan remains one of Kenya’s most important trading partners, especially in our trade in tea and rice. There is a tremendous potential in horticultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and expertise in light engineering to the growing trade. Our shared interest in maritime security, port development, and the blue economy presents another frontier to deepen cooperation. Collaboration in education, health, digital innovation, and skills development continues to enrich our people-to-people connections.”
“Kenya is committed to strengthening our trade relationship and attracting investment from Pakistan. The country provides a favourable investment environment marked by political stability, strategic geographical advantages, and a business-friendly regulatory framework. I encourage Pakistani enterprises to explore opportunities in Kenya’s strategic sectors to deepen mutually beneficial partnership, H.E Peter M. Njiru continued.
Finally, the host H.C shared, “We appreciate the hospitality extended by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kenyan community in this great country. On our part, we will continue to play host to thousands of Pakistan citizens who call Kenya their home. This underscores our shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.”
He apprised the guests about the investment opportunites and conducive policies of his country. He welcomed Pakistani business community as well as the tourists to explore Kenya.
The traditional dresses of the staff of the embassy were a big attraction for the guests. The colors and the designs of the national outfits were adding to the richness of the reception a lot.
