Kenya High Commission

THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSIONIN THE UNITED KINGDOM

NEWSLETTER

Issue 7 - September 2007

Vice President Moody Aworiaddresses Kenyans in the

Diaspora

Investor Confidence Soars asKenyan Economy Continues

to Grow

Kenya Tourist Board Celebrates10th Birthday with Boost to

Kenyan Economy

Explore The Hills andMountains of Kenya

Expected

Growth

in 2007

+7.0%

2

CONTENTS2 Montage - Wildlife

3 Contents

4 Vice President Addresses Issue of ‘Food Miles’

Kenyans Urged to Develop a Culture of BuyingFlowers

5 Portrait of President Kibaki

Message from the High Commissioner

6 Kenya Tourist Board Celebrates 10th Birthday withBoost to Kenyan Economy

7 East African Community Opts for Monetary Unionby the Year 2012

8-10 Vice President Addresses Kenyans in the Diaspora

11 His Highness The Aga Khan Commends Kenya’sEconomic Growth

Investor Confidence Soars as Kenyan EconomyContinues to Grow

12-13 MoneyLineUK: Professional, Reliable and African

14 Montage - The People of Kenya

15-16 Public Service with a Smile and Results

17-19 Explore The Hills and Mountains of Kenya

20 Scouts Contingent Visits Mission

M-pesa Vodaphone Money Transfer Launched

21-22 High Commissioner Leads Efforts to Form EastAfrican Community in the Diaspora

About this Newsletter

23 Health & Nutritional Products

24 About the Kenya High Commission

3

PublisherThe Kenya High Commission in the United Kingdom45 Portland PlaceLondon W1B 1AS

Tel: 020 76362371/5 Fax: 020 7323 6717Email: [email protected]

EditorialK-MediaPlus - [email protected]

Photographs

Front page photo - Annual Migration ofanimals across the Mara: Dreamstime.com

H.E. The High Commissionerand Kenya High Commission building:Ruben Magno

Other inside photos:K-Mediaplus, Ruben Magno,Getty Images,Pichavision and Dreamstime.com.

Artwork, Design and PrintingCity Printing - www.cityprinting.co.uk

Comments, Articles, Information orAdvertisement: Please send to:[email protected]

Disclaimer: Kenya High Commission Newslettergathers information from diverse sources includingspecial commissioned features, interviews and articlespublished elsewhere. Therefore the views andopinions of authors expressed in this Newsletter donot necessarily state or reflect those of the KenyaHigh Commission and they may not be used foradvertising or product endorsement purposes.

Issue 7 - September 2007

KENYANS URGED TO DEVELOP ACULTURE OF BUYING FLOWERS

KENYANS URGED TO DEVELOP ACULTURE OF BUYING FLOWERS

Vice President Moody Awori has encouraged the

Kenya High Commission in London to continue

aggressively lobbying policy makers in the United

Kingdom against imposing restrictions on airlifted

horticultural produce from Kenya.

Addressing staff at the mission in London, the Vice

President expressed concerns that if implemented, the

move will harm the country’s horticultural industry noting

that the sector is a life-line to millions of Kenyans. Mr

Awori said horticultural exports earn the country

substantial amounts of foreign exchange, and described

the ‘Food Miles’ concept as not only punitive but heavily

flawed and selective.

Under the ‘food miles’ concept, as the debate is

commonly known, a campaign has been on-going in the

European countries to discriminate against long haul

transportation especially of air-freighted goods.

Environmentalists are lobbying leading supermarket

chains and policy makers in European capitals, to

discourage consumption of long-haul air-freighted goods

on the basis that transportation of goods over long

distances such as from Africa to Europe contributes to

global warming through carbon emissions into the

atmosphere by aeroplanes.

The Kenya High Commissioner H.E. Mr Joseph Muchemi

recently launched a counter campaign dubbed ‘Grown

under the Sun’ at Britain’s largest agricultural trade fair

in Coventry to inform British consumers about the

development benefits associated with sourcing fresh

produce from Kenya. The ‘Grown under the Sun’ logo will

appear in UK supermarkets to remind consumers that

purchasing fresh Kenyan fruits, vegetables and flowers

helps to sustain thousands of Kenyans who depend on

exporting horticultural produce to the UK and other long

haul destinations.

Report by VPPS

4

VICE PRESIDENT ADDRESSES

ISSUE OF 'FOOD MILES’VICE PRESIDENT ADDRESSES

ISSUE OF 'FOOD MILES’

The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) Chairman, Mr Erastus Muriithi has urged Kenyans to develop a cultureof buying flowers in order to boost the horticultural sector, which has become a major source oflivelihood for more than 100,000 Kenyans. Mr Murithi also told delegates at a workshop at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute that KFC, is negotiatingwith European Union (EU) authorities to resolve the standoff between the council and retailers such as Tesco, overthe issue of the carbon footprint of Kenyan blooms sold in Europe. The Kenyan government and the EU authoritiesare handling the matter.

Report Compiled byKenya High Commission Staff

Vice President Moody Awori

‘The Mission encourages the formation of organized networks of allKenyans and their friends in the Diaspora and will facilitate their efforts to

participate in aid and development activities in Kenya.’

H.E Mr. Joseph MuchemiHigh Commissioner

His Excellency Hon. Mwai Kibaki CGH, MPPresident of the Republic of Kenya

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces

‘When you elected me to serve you, I decided towork towards improving the quality of life of allKenyans and that is what I have been doing andwill continue to do for this country… That is the

work you have given me andI want to assure you that I will do it well’

President Kibaki speaking at a public rally in Kizurini Primary School, Kaloleni District.

29th August 2007

5

THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSIONwww.kenyahighcommission.net

THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSION

A Mission Serving our Partners, Friends and all Kenyans

I am delighted in releasing the issue Number Seven of our monthlynewsletter. The issue has highlighted a range of issues from all thesectors of Kenya’s economy. In particular, the visit of H.E. the VicePresident and Minister for Home Affairs visit to London from 18th –22nd August 2007. The Vice President addressed a large gatheringof Kenyans in London on 19th August 2007 where he urged Kenyansto love their motherland. I am certain that the meeting was alearning experience for Kenyans who anticipate to invest in Kenya asan account of available opportunities was vividly given by the VicePresident.

The Mission will endeavour to organise more of such meetings forother senior government Ministers to enlighten and seek the opinionof Kenyans in the diaspora on the best way they will be involved inthe overall government development efforts.

KENYA TOURIST BOARD CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY WITH BOOST TO

KENYAN ECONOMY

KENYA TOURIST BOARD CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY WITH BOOST TO

KENYAN ECONOMY

Tourism now contributes more to the economy of Kenyathan any other sector, said Dr. Ongong’a Achieng,Managing Director of the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB)when announcing record visitor figures in Nairobi onTuesday 31st July. Nearly fifteen percent of the KenyanGDP (Gross Domestic Product) is provided by theKenyan tourism industry with tourism earnings for thefirst six months of 2007 showing an increase of over25% to £250 million. If growth in visitor figures andyield continues at its present pace the Board expectsthat tourism earnings for the current year will exceed£450 million.

For the first six months of 2007 the number of visitors arrivingby air rose over 13% to approach the half million mark withKenyans’ largest long distance market, the United Kingdom,contributing over 90,000 arrivals – a rise of nearly 30%.Notably the USA has now moved in to second place in thegrowth league with nearly 50,000 arrivals due, in part, saysKTB, to the arrival of a daily Virgin Atlantic service via LondonHeathrow.

Based on a stable domestic market and with an upward trendin regional arrivals, Dr Achieng looked forward to furthersuccess. He welcomed the large number of hotelrefurbishments that are taking place; the opening of a

number of new spas and said that the Board was continuingits world-wide search for partners in new hotel investment.

Whilst thanking the members of the travel industry for theirhard work and dedication over the last decade, Dr Achiengnoted that tourism is now Kenya’s greatest industry - a successstory for Africa. Most importantly, tourism has shown that itcan and will help the people of Kenya in line with theGovernment’s vision which aims to transform Kenya into amiddle income society by 2030.

For further information, please contact the Kenya Tourist Board on 020 7367 0928 or visit www.magicalkenya.com

Report complied from press release by Kenya Tourist Board

6

7

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY OPTS FORMONETARY UNION BY 2012

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY OPTS FORMONETARY UNION BY 2012

The 6th Extra-Ordinary Summit ofHeads of State meeting in ArushaTanzania, on 20th Augustlaunched the process of politicalfederation by agreeing to moveexpeditiously towards theestablishment of a CommonMarket and a Monetary Union by2012.

The summit which was attended byPresident Mwai Kibaki directed theEAC secretariat to first explore thepossibility of achieving the thresholdof the Customs Union earlier andthen develop a strategic frameworkfor fast tracking the establishment ofa Common Market and the MonetaryUnion for consideration by theCouncil and the next summit.

The summit also directed that theSecretariat quickly propose an EastAfrican Industrial and InvestmentStrategy supported by an institutionaldecision-making authority with a viewto promoting equitable industrialdevelopment in East Africa.

In a joint communiqué read by theEast African Secretary GeneralAmbassador Juma Mwapachu, thesummit also agreed that theCommunity should explore thepossibility of negotiating as a block onEconomic Partnership Agreement(EPA) with the European Union.

On the process of political federationthe Summit expressed its appreciation

for the People of East Africa for theiroverwhelming support towards theintegration and agreed on the needto mobilize and deepen sensitizationon the issue so as to stimulate greaterpolitical will to promote deepereconomic integration and lock ingains achieved from economiccooperation.

On Rwanda and Burundi which wereattending the summit as full membersfor the first time, the summit askedthe two nations to undertake nationalconsultations on the establishment ofan East African Political federation.The summit further requested thetwo new member states to speed upthe process of integrating fully in theEast African Community CustomsUnion.

Speaking during the closure of thesummit President Yoweri KagutaMuseveni of Uganda who is theChairman of the East AfricanCommunity, said the overwhelmingsupport by the East Africans onpolitical federation gives the leaders asolid basis on which to proceed andimplement the long held wish of thepeople of this region and Africa as awhole to transcend the colonialborders. President Museveni thankedPresident Mwai Kibaki for his tirelessefforts in ensuring that the process isnot reversed by agreeing to fast trackit. He also thanked former leaders ofEast Africa for initiating the processsaying the vision the founding fathers

of Africa had, will finally come tofruition.

Others who attended the summitwere host President Jakaya MrishoKikwete of Tanzania, President PaulKagame of Rwanda, second VicePresident of Burundi GabrielNtisezerana and President of theRevolutionary Government ofZanzibar Amani Abeid Karume.Others who accompanied PresidentKibaki during the summit wereMinister John Koech, AttorneyGeneral Amos Wako, AssistantMinisters Moses Wetangula and BoniKhalwale among others.

Report compiled from various sourcesincluding the Kenya Ministry of Foreignaffairs

VICE PRESIDENT MOODY AWORI

ADDRESSES KENYANS IN THE DIASPORAVICE PRESIDENT MOODY AWORI

ADDRESSES KENYANS IN THE DIASPORA

8 Continued on page 9

Vice President Moody Awori has said the

government will continue giving incentives to

Kenyans in the Diaspora to enable them contribute

towards the achievement of Vision 2030 goal of

transforming Kenya into a middle income

economy. Mr Awori was speaking in London

where he addressed hundreds of Kenyans who

reside in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

He noted that thousands of Kenyans live abroad from

where they remit a total of Ksh 67 billion annually, a

figure he said has helped transform the economy

substantially. The government, the vice President added,

is keen to help them send home their earnings at a

cheaper cost by encouraging local banks to establish

branches abroad.

The Vice President who was in London for a five day visit

accompanied by his wife Mrs Rose Awori explained that

Vision 2030 is a broad strategy providing a road map for

the country’s industrialization goal anchored on

economic, social and political pillars.

Vision 2030 is a broad strategy providing a road map for the country’s

industrialization goal anchored on economic, social and political pillars’.

Vice President Moody Awori addressing Kenyans at the

Cumberland Hotel - London

(Above) Vice President Moody Awori and H.E. Mr Joseph

Muchemi arriving at the confrence

(Right - top and bottom) Members of the gathering posing

questions to the Vice President

9

(Left) Part of the gathering that came to listento the Vice President at the Cumberland hotel(Below) Vice President Moody Awori and hiswife Rose Awori

The political pillar aims at creating an issue based society devoid of the mudslinging that has characterized the political landscape

‘Vision 2030 anticipates a sustained growth of 10 percent in the next five years’

‘The high tax collections by Kenya Revenue Authority indicates thatcorruption loopholes have been sealed’

He said the political pillar aims atcreating an issue based society devoidof the mudslinging that hascharacterized the political landscapeas well as enactment of a newconstitution that guarantees basicfreedoms and rights for all Kenyans.He, however, expressed doubt that a

new constitution would be in placethis year. “We lost an opportunity toenact a new constitution in 2003 andin 2005 and it won’t be possible tohave one this year,” he stated.

Mr Awori further assured thegathering that dual citizenship and

voting rights for Kenyans in theDiaspora would be provided under thecomprehensive review of theconstitution, noting that there was ageneral consensus in favour of thetwo issues.

On the economic front, the vicepresident said vision 2030 anticipatesa sustained growth which will rise to10% by 2010 and thereafter besustained for the rest of the period. Hereiterated the government’s intentionto concentrate on its core function ofproviding an enabling environment for

business to thrive with the privatesector driving the process.

The Vice President expressedconfidence that the economy was onthe path to full recovery, citing the Ksh1.65 trillion Gross Domestic Product asan indicator that the reform measures

were bearing fruit. The cost of doingbusiness in Kenya will be broughtdown through improved infrastructureto make local products competitive onregional and international markets, hesaid.

On corruption, he affirmed that thegovernment was winning the waragainst the vice which he said hadtarnished the country’s image. “Thehigh tax collection by Kenya RevenueAuthority indicates that corruptionloopholes have been sealed,” he saidadding that there are no newcorruption cases before the courts. MrAwori however criticized developedcountries in whose banks proceeds ofcorruption have been stashed, for

refusing to help unmask the identitiesof the account holders.

Responding to concerns about thecontroversy surrounding the media billwhich is awaiting presidential assent,the vice president alluded to thelikelihood of it being returned toparliament in the interests ofdemocracy. He however clarified thatthe contentious clause which seeks tocompel journalists to disclose their

sources was not meant to gag thepress.

The meeting was also addressed byKenya High Commissioner in LondonH.E. Mr Joseph Muchemi. Alsopresent was the permanent secretaryin the office of the Vice President andMinistry of Home Affairs Amb. MrsNancy Kirui, and staff of the KenyaHigh Commission.

Continued on page 10

10

Continued from page 9

1. Vice President Moody Awori and H.E. Mr Joseph Muchemi

addressing the gathering

2. (L-R) Amb. Mrs Nancy Kirui, Mrs Cecilia Muchemi and Mrs

Rose Awori3. Vice President Moody Awori greeting Alice Were Thompson

4. Vice President Moody Awori shaking hands with Isaac

Mutula5. Vice President Moody Awori receiving flowers from Brenda

Kenyoru while Mr Kiboi and Mr Boiyo of Kenya High

Commisssion looks on

6. Vice President Moody Awori and H.E. Mr Joseph Muchemi

chatting outside the hotel hours before the start of the

conference 7. Mr Abel Kenyoru Principal Counsellor who was master of

ceremonies8. Mr Mwatsama standing with Pastor Peter Oyugi, who

offered prayers before the start of the conference

9. Sam Manjau of Kenya Club giving a vote of thanks to the

gathering

Report compiled by VPPS

1. 2.

3.

4.

5.6.

7.8.

9.

HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHANCOMMENDS KENYA’S ECONOMICGROWTH

HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHANCOMMENDS KENYA’S ECONOMICGROWTH

‘Those who know Kenya know that thereare good reasons for this hopeful spirit’

’At a recent World Economic Forum,Kenya was ranked among the top three countries in Africa inwelcoming investment and innovation’His Highness the Aga Khan has commended Kenyafor achieving an impressive economic growth inthe last three years, with the GDP expected toreach 6.9 % this year. The Aga Khan noted thatduring the same period, there has been asignificant inflow of foreign investment and amassive investment in education, health care andinfrastructure.

Referring to a new global opinion survey published by thePew Institute and the New York Times, His Highness theAga Khan said Kenyans had a reason to be optimisticabout their future and that of their children as PresidentKibaki had transformed the country for the better. “Thosewho know Kenya know that there are good reasons forthis hopeful spirit,” His Highness the Aga Khan said.His Highness the Aga Khan was speaking during a statebanquet hosted in his honour by President Kibaki andFirst Lady Mrs. Lucy Kibaki at State House Nairobi. Henoted that Kenya has one of the highest per capita

literacy rates in Africa and is determined to makedemocracy work. His Highness the Aga Khan added thatthe Kenya Government has created an enablingenvironment for vibrant enterprise in fields such asagriculture and horticulture, tourism and finance. Hewent on to say that at a recent World Economic Forum,Kenya was ranked among the top three countries inAfrica in welcoming investment and innovation.Report compiled from various sources including Kenya HighCommission

President Mwai Kibaki congratulates His Highness the Aga Khanafter bestowing him with Chief of Golden Heart, the highestKenyan award during a state banquet in his honour at StateHouse, Nairobi.

INVESTOR CONFIDENCE SOARS AS KENYA’SECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW

INVESTOR CONFIDENCE SOARS AS KENYA’SECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW

In a major signal that Kenya’sresurgent economy is starting toattract serious foreign capital, 34new investment projects worthSh8 billion have been approvedand are in various stages ofimplementation.

Information from the KenyaInvestments Authority (KIA) shows thatthese projects, which were approvedbetween July 2006 and May 2007, arespread across services, manufacturing,

tourism and agricultural sectors. Theseare industries that are currentlyenjoying fast growth.

A major attraction is the limitedcapacity that some industries are facingas a result of economic expansion. TheKenyan economy is expected to growthby more than 6.3 per cent in 2007.Though the new projects are largelyfrom relatively unknown firms, majormultinational companies have set upbase in the last one-year. They include:

Nokia Telecom Corporation, which setup a Sh480 million facility for makingmobile phones for the region, VirginAtlantic which has brought in Sh105million to launch flights to London andTema Television Corporation. Otherfirms include Rift Valley Railways,Renaissance Capital and GoogleCorporation.

Report compiled from various sourcesincluding allafricanews.com

‘Projects to create about 3,900 jobs and bring in 200 expatriate managers’

11

MONEYLINEUK:PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND AFRICAN

MONEYLINEUK:PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND AFRICAN

12

MoneyLineUK was founded in 2003 in the UK. There was

a big gap in the market for an affordable money transfer

service which is professional, reliable and run by Africans

for Africans. The vision was to provide an outstanding

service to the Diaspora community across the country,

without it costing an arm and a leg.

MoneyLineUK was founded by Alice and Dr Divine Ndumu. They

combined their knowledge of information & communication

systems, business management and marketing to create a company

that today easily competes with the biggest names in the money

transfer business, and even surpasses some in terms of lower fees,

good exchange rates and outstanding customer service.

MoneyLineUK currently operates to 10 different African countries

— Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea

Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Cape Verde and Western Sahara. By the end

of the year, DR Congo, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda will

be added to the list.

For money transfers to Kenya, MoneyLineUK has partnered with Equity Bank in Kenya since October 2006. The

business has grown steadily and customer awareness has increased. MoneyLineUK believe they will eventually

become the market leader in this corridor. The payment network of over 60 branches all over Kenya provided by

Equity’s branches is unlike others. Money can be collected in cash by beneficiaries at any of Equity’s branches or can

be paid into bank accounts in any Kenyan bank. Furthermore, MoneyLineUK’s fees for transfers to Kenya are very

competitive and the exchange rate they offer is probably the best in the market.

In addition to money transfers, MoneyLineUK can help UK Kenyans open current and savings bank accounts with

Equity Bank. These accounts support Internet banking, ATM cards and cheque books if required. In future,

MoneyLineUK intends to extend this service to include mortgages, loans and other related financial services.

MoneyLineUK has developed an outstanding reputation amongst its customers for its work ethics such as

professionalism, reliability, integrity and a continuous belief in supporting the community. Unlike the big organisations

MoneyLineUK understands the Diaspora community, the difficulties they face and the services they need.

MoneyLineUK is committed to developing and providing quality affordable services to the Diaspora community.

To transfer money, open bank accounts or enquire more about MoneyLineUK please call

0800 084 2420.

MoneyLineUK currently has 100 agents across most major UK cities, with predominance in London and

the South-East. Some of the agents are Kenyans running successful businesses. MoneyLineUK foresees

a growth to 300 agents by the end of 2008.

Dr Divine Ndumu and Mrs Alice Ndumu,

founders of UK MoneyLineUK

13

with

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Call 0800 084 2420

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Prices correct at the time of printing (01.06.2007).Prices may change without notice. All price comparisons are against Western Union’s

money in minutes service. For transfer amounts above £1000 we require proof of your name and address.MoneyLine UK is a trading name of Intelligent Systems Solutions Ltd.

(Registered in England No. 05490203)

£4.00£8.00£8.00

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£13.00£15.00£19.50

£4.00£8.004.0%3.5%3.0%2.5%2.0%

14

15Continued on page 16

Brightly coloured T-shirts matchedby equally bright smiles. A forestof posters and brochuresproclaiming vision statements andservice charters. Strategic plandocuments galore. A mind-boggling display of products andservices, of information andadvice.

“Welcome to our stand,” I heard somany times, with unfailingfriendliness, relaxed and genuine.

Where am I? Surely this must be aprivate sector event. Lots of upmarketmultinationals probably But no, this isKenya’s Public Service exhibition —and I’m only visiting its Nairobimanifestation. It’s like being in adream. Crowds of “customers” millaround. Plenty of “staff” too — as wellas retired public servants, no doubt assurprised as anyone as they see theirformer colleagues in full marketingmode.

My first thought is that those manningthe many stands are just normalKenyans. After all, that’s why ourhospitality industry does so well —we’re a naturally hospitable lot. Butpublic servants, those of grimreputation, who specialise in tellingyou — and each other — exactlywhat’s not possible and why? Yes,public servants.

On this sunny afternoon outside theKenyatta International ConferenceCentre (KICC) in Nairobi these goodmen and women switched off their‘unsmiles’ and reached out to us. Alongside the well-known ministriesand departments, there are so manyunits I’d never heard of, all introducing

themselves and offering their support.So many knowledgeable people,anxious to share what they had.

What a wonderful idea this exhibitionis, and how uplifting to see the easyinteractions, the cheerful flow. Theexhibition dramatically reveals the fullextent of the Results for Kenyansprogramme. Spearheaded andcoordinated by the Public SectorReform and Development Secretariat(PSRDS), to date it has been knownprincipally for its Rapid ResultsInitiative.

Through RRI, different ministries,departments and agencies haveengaged with the team to accelerateprogress in mission critical areas oftheir operations. (The RRI people arereal enthusiasts, and I wasn’t surprisedthat their leader had come in from hisleave to manage the stand.) We’veheard about the RRIs in Immigration,at the Companies’ Registry, and morerecently in Lands.

What is less well known is that RRI is acomponent in a whole integratednetwork of performance managementtools and techniques, so carefully andskilfully worked out that if they areeven half successful, Kenya shouldeventually enjoy one of the finestpublic service organisations around,and certainly in Africa.

It all will stem from the emergingVision 2030, from which thevarious strategic plans and annualwork plans will flow, for ministriesand local authorities, forparastatals and RegionalDevelopment Authorities, as wellas for the judiciary.

And the RRIs slot into and support theannual and longer term plans. TheMinistry of Finance led three-yearMedium Term Expenditure Frameworkwill be increasingly aligned with theplans, as will the results based annualbudgeting. Most now are familiar withthe Performance Contracts that havealready made a great difference to theeffectiveness of the public service.

And then there’s the new PerformanceAppraisal System that the Directorateof Personnel Management in theMinistry of State for Public Service isintroducing. Finally, the Ministry ofPlanning and National Development isworking on the National IntegratedMonitoring and Evaluation System.

Our public servants have beenstudying global best practice, incountries like Canada, Sweden,Malaysia and the UK, and they haveput together frameworks suitable forthis place at this time. It’s a mostimpressive package. Of course peopleare impatient. And of course they aresceptical, as for many years nowKenyans have come to expect less thanstellar performance from their publicservants.

Daily examples of incompetence andinefficiency abound, but surely I don’tneed to expand on this, as much has— rightly — already been written incondemnation of past and presentmismanagement and indifference toservice. Insiders will tell you that effortsto “reform” started in 1993. Matterscame to a head when, by the 24thSeptember 2004 CabinetMemorandum, the Public SectorReform and Development Secretariatwas established in the Cabinet Office.

PUBLIC SERVICE WITH A SMILE AND RESULTS…

PUBLIC SERVICE WITH A SMILE AND RESULTS…

Continued from page 15

16

Its mission was clear: to transform theprocess-driven culture into a results-driven one. To return it, in a way, towhat it had been when the service wasfirst established in the immediate post-independence 1960s.

There has been much debate, as muchwithin the public service as among itsstakeholders, as to whether it waspossible to make even a dent in theentrenched inward looking, processdriven culture.

Public servants the world over arenotorious for their aversion to changeand to risk, skillfully resisting anyinitiative that takes them outside theircomfort zone.

Past efforts to change things havefailed, the cynics (internal as much asexternal) smugly state, and so will thisone.

“We’ve seen such things come and gobefore,” the wise ones say, and theyquote the recent example of the“Michuki” matatu industry reforms.But wait a minute. Early this week Iwas with a group of 60 or so seniorpublic servants at the Kenya Instituteof Administration.

“How optimistic are you,” I askedthem, “of the effort to substantiallytransform the public service froman inward-looking, process-drivenculture to a client-focused, results-driven one, within three years?”

By far the majority were positive. Mysense was that, unless they werebrilliant actors (which not a few of ourpublic servants are), they really werequite passionate about defending theposition.

Their reasons made sense, and werebased on their experience andobservations. “Is it simply that you areoptimists by nature?” I asked them.Well, they admitted to having anoptimistic streak in them, but statedfirmly that their comments were notbased on wishful thinking.

I then asked the “realists” (as theydescribed themselves), those with amore pessimistic view, whether theyhad been influenced by their moreoptimistic colleagues. Most stood firm,but one did defect… all the way to theuppermost quadrant.

Was this an isolated view? No. I havebeen interacting with quite a numberof such groups in the last year or so,from ministries, the police, provincialadministration and suchlike, and myuniversal experience is that with one ortwo exceptions (who tend to getshouted down by the embarrassedmajority) the mood is upbeat. Thesepeople really are becoming outwardlooking and keen to deliver service.

Needless to say it’s all about leadership.Leaders who show great will to changethings for the better, and who areinformed and organized enough tointroduce systems that willinstitutionalise and sustain the change.

Such leadership is not always presentbut a critical mass is beginning todevelop.

Are we yet at the tipping point,beyond which the reform becomesirreversible? Those I meet at KIA sayyes. And their reason is that the peopleare now driving the change. They havebeen informed, their expectations havebeen raised, and they won’t let go.

Elections won’t get in the way, theysay. And neither will any change ofgovernment.

If what I saw at KICC is anything togo by, we’ve already travelled agreat distance on this journey tohigh performance. Everyone knowsthere’s still a long way to go – andthat the better it gets the moreambitious we become.

But it certainly deserves everyone’ssupport – not least the media… whoof course have been far keener tofollow the combative politiciansaround that to show up and cover theextraordinarily positive goings on atKICC.

Article reproduced with permission from Mike Eldon: [email protected] Mike Eldon has a BSc Economics Honours degree from the University College London and is a Sloan Fellow of the London Business School. He has workedin the IT industry for 36 years, the last 26 of which have been in Kenya. He is deeply involved in national and organisational issues of IT, strategy andmanagement. He is the founder and Director of the DEPOT teambuilding and leadership centre.

EXPLORE THE HILLS AND MOUNTAINS OF KENYA

EXPLORE THE HILLS AND MOUNTAINS OF KENYA

Kenya is a land of contrasts, and nowhere is thismore apparent than in its range of altitudes.The hills and mountains of Kenya are a worldapart from the lowland valleys and plains.

High altitude Kenya offers something for everyone.There are refreshing hill walks through bird rich areasor more active hikes into montane forests. Above allthere is mighty Mt Kenya, whose slopes are theperfect trekking destination. The mountain’s alpinepeak is a challenging technical summit for theexperienced mountaineer.

Mt Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, God of the local Kikuyu people.Traditionally, all Kikuyu homes were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light.

The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight. Its ragged series of peaks are crowned with snow, and its slopes are thick with forest.The mountain is best seen at dawn, when the day’s early light silhouettes itsimpressive summit high over the surrounding plains.

While the 5199 metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peakof Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trektakes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife,unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and finallyone of the worlds rarest sights, equatorial snow.

For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain the cool highlands thatsurround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for gameviewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound withTrout...

MT KENYA

www.magicalkenya.com 17

The Aberdare Mountain ranges soarto peaks of 13,000 feet and dip intodeep, V shaped valleys with streamsand rivers cascading over spectacularwaterfalls, including Kenya's longestfall of approximately 1,000 feet!Located in the heart of the Kikuyutribe highlands area, in CentralKenya, The Aberdare Mountains areone of the homes of Ngai, God.

To the east of the ranges are MountKenya and the fertile farming lands ofthe Kikuyu tribe, which were settled bythe colonists in the early decades of theTwentieth century. The area between

the Aberdare and Mount Kenyaare part of what became knownas the European highlands. Tothe west, the range falls steeplyaway into the Rift Valley andoffer superb views of LakeNaivasha and the distant MauEscarpment.

The Aberdare Country Clubnestles on the slopes of MweigaHill with a superb view of theplains below and with Aberdaremountain ranges to the westand Mount Kenya to the east.

THE ABERDARE MOUNTAIN RANGES (NYANDARUA RANGE)

Standing over the shores of LakeNaivasha, at 2886 metres thismassive dormant volcano dominatesthe landscape for miles around.

The brooding hulk of the Mountain islined with spectacular fissures and lavalcanyons. As you climb these slopes, youpass through herds of grazing game asmagnificent views of the Rift Valley andNaivasha unfold below. Its vast crater isan awesome sight, the jagged edge

surrounding a broadexpanse of vegetation.Geothermal steamtrickles upwards from thewalls, while buffalo andother game make theirway across the craterfloor. A climb up MountLongonot is an ideal daytrip from either Nairobior Naivasha.

LONGONOT

Rising from the jungles that borderUganda, Mt Elgon is an impressivelycraggy extinct Volcano. This remoteregion makes for interestingtrekking through deep forest andacross broad moorlands.

There is plenty of wildlife and plenty todiscover. The peaks are ideal forclimbing, and shelter a series of warmgeothermal springs. The mountain hasmany caves for the visitor to explore.In these caves, known collectively asElkony, ancient cave paintings decoratethe walls, and bats and rock hyraxare found among the windingpassageways.

The most famous cave of all is Kitum,where each night Elephant herdsgather and begin a slow processiondeep into the mountain. The elephantsmake their way through the caves,following well worn paths made by

generations before them. Deep in thecave, they use their tusks to excavatethe walls, seeking the natural saltwhich they lick from the scarred rock.Witnessing this incredible sight is justone of the many wonders of Elgon....

MT ELGON

LOROGHI HILLS

www.magicalkenya.com18

Rising high above the arid plains of Northern Kenya, the Loroghi Hills areperfect for a trek with a difference.

These spectacular hills rise up through a series of escarpments to a peak of 2580metres. The views from the edge of the Lesiolo escarpment are astonishing. The RiftValley floor stretches out before you and merges with a distant horizon. Exploring the

hills takes the trekker through deep forested valleys and acrosshigh open plains, rich with bird and animal life.

But what makes treks through these hills so special is theresident Samburu tribes. Walking with a Samburu guide, youcan pass through many small villages, meet the locals, walk theplains with cattle herders and lone warriors or be invited tospend a night in a Samburu home.

The Shimba Hills National Reserveis located just 48 kms from thecoast, but at 500 metres theymake a cool change from thetropical coastal climate. Thereserve is made up of both opengrassland and dense rainforest,all with stunning views of theIndian Ocean.

The Reserve has a variety of speciesincluding Elephant, Giraffe andBuffalo as well as the rare Roan and

Sable antelope. The forests are hometo a number of unusual speciesincluding the Black and WhiteColobus monkeys, Serval cats, RedDuiker and Suni Antelope. Anabundance of bird life is foundamong the hills, including Honeyguides, Turacos, woodpeckers andSunbirds.

The Shimba Hills are a natural andpeaceful haven, easily accessed fromthe beaches of the Kenyan coast....

SHIMBA HILLS

This truly spectacular region is oneof Kenya’s best kept secrets. Thehighlands and escarpment of theNorth Rift Valley provide some ofthe country's most awe-inspiringviews, across the broad andbeautiful Kerio Valley. The scenicvistas around the Elgeyoescarpment are truly stunning,especially from the 'World's End'viewpoint at Nyaru. Waterfallssplash down the face of theseescarpments, and at Chebloch, onthe valley floor water runs througha deep and narrow gorge withsheer rock walls.

Chebloch’s water runs on the valleyfloor through a deep and narrow gorgewith sheer rock walls. The highlands arean excellent place to explore, and thereis plenty to discover among themany hills and ranges. From the highTugen Hills, there are excellent viewsacross arid rift valley floor to LakeBaringo. The lush green hills aroundKericho are home to Kenya's teaindustry, and the nearby KisiiCommunity is world renowned fortheir beautiful soapstone carving.

This is a birding mecca, and whetheryou are a serious ornithologist or a

hobby birder, you should not miss theCheranganis. There are excellent birdguides available locally.

WESTERN HIGHLANDS

TAITA AND CHYULU HILLSFraming the vast plains of Tsavo,and lying within view of majesticMt Kilimanjaro, are the Taita andChyulu Hills. The Chyulu hills areconsidered to be some of theyoungest volcanic mountains inthe world, born out of the earthonly 500 years ago.

The beautiful hills are bordered by anexpanse of black lava flow known asSheitani, the source of many locallegends. This is a paradise of elephantherds, plains game, cheetah, remoteMaasai villages and wonderful viewsof Mt Kilimanjaro.

Close to Tsavo East, the Taita Hillshouse a private game sanctuary, witha wide variety of wild animalsincluding Lions, cheetahs, elephant sand plains game. Prolific bird lifeincludes the extremely rare TaitaFalcon, a bird recorded in earlyEgyptian hieroglyphics. The Taita are infact three groups of hills, the Dabida,Sagalla and Kasigau.

This region is more remote than themore visited parks and reserves ofsouthern Kenya, the perfect destinationfor anyone looking for an opportunityto get away from it all and relax in thewild.....

For more information visit www.magicalkenya.com– the official website of Kenya Tourist Board 19

20

The Kenya Scouts national contingent tothe 21st World Jamboree paid acourtesy call to the Kenya HighCommission in London on August 9thafter participating at the event whichhad brought together scoutsmovements from 155 countries.

Under the theme of ‘One world onepromise’ the Kenyan contingent joined otherscouts movements from all over the world toparticipate in various activities aimed atbridging cultural, political, economic andintellectual differences.

SCOUTS CONTIGENT VISITS MISSIONSCOUTS CONTIGENT VISITS MISSION

(Left) Kenya Scouts contingent with Kenya HighCommission staff outside the Mission in London

The eagerly awaited UK trial of Vodafone's Vodafone Money Transfer pilot took place in London on Friday

10th August 2007.

Vodafone Money Transfer is a pilot service for registered

users in the UK to send money to friends and family in

Kenya, quickly, conveniently and cost-effectively. The

pilot service allows registered users to securely send

money to a mobile phone using their UK bank debit card

on a secure website. Recipient of funds receive an SMS

on their mobile phone (any network) within seconds.

They are then able to immediately withdraw the cash at a

number of pilot Safaricom Vodafone Money Transfer

agents in Nairobi.

Vodafone has joined forces with Citigroup and the trial in

London is in partnership with Kenya Club, a UK based

global networking club for Kenyans.

M-PESA VODAFONE MONEY TRANSFER

PILOT LAUNCHED

Send money back home quickly, securely and cost effectively!M-PESA VODAFONE MONEY TRANSFER

PILOT LAUNCHED

HIGH COMMISSIONER LEADS EFFORTSTO FORM EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

IN THE DIASPORA

HIGH COMMISSIONER LEADS EFFORTSTO FORM EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

IN THE DIASPORA

Kenya’s High Commissioner to theUK, Republic of Ireland andConfederation of Switzerland,H.E. Mr. Joseph Muchemi, invitedEast African Ambassadors andHigh Commissioners for adiscussion on how all couldadvance the goals and objectivesof the East African Community. Heintroduced the subject on the EastAfrican Community by giving itshistory since 1900. The firstcommunity institutions wereestablished for Kenya andUganda, then under British rule in1900. In 1927, Tanganyika joinedand in 1948, they togetherestablished the East African HighCommission.

From independence to 1966 theyshared the same currency and ownedassets together both in East Africaand Europe. However, due todifferent political ideologies, thecommunity broke up in 1977 but wasrevived on 30th November 1999 andcame into force on 7th July 2000.H.E. Mr Muchemi emphasized theneed and importance of bringingtogether the East Africans in the UK,

to think together ways of supportingthe leadership in the five states intheir expression to fast track theeconomic integration and politicalfederation.

Mr. Abel Kenyoru a PrincipalCounsellor at the Kenya HighCommission, informed the HighCommissioners that as the head ofEconomic and Trade Division in theMinistry of Foreign Affairs between2002 and 2005 he had attendedseveral community meetings. Heparticipated in negotiations for thecommon foreign and security policywhich purposes a common approachto all East African Foreign affairsmatters such as flying EAC flags andissuing visas.

H.E. the High Commissionerof the Republic of Uganda,Joan K. N. Rwabyomere expressed herappreciation at the thought ofworking together with her colleaguesin the UK to advance the cause of EastAfrican Community. She informed themeeting that their Foreign AffairsMinister of the Republic of Ugandahad just left London for Kampala that

evening but would be back for ameeting with them on 20thSeptember 2007. She emphasised theneed for developing use of Kiswahilias a national language for the fivestates and beyond.

H.E. Mr Claver Gatete the Ambassadorof the Republic of Rwanda to theCourt of St. James’s, The Republic ofIreland and the Nordic Countries, saidthat Rwanda’s decision to join EACwas one of the greatest achievementsfor the region. He suggested thattheir missions in London initiate theformation of EAC DiasporaAssociation starting with an EACwebsite.

H.E. Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar of theHigh Commission of the UnitedRepublic of Tanzania to the UK andthe Republic of Ireland proposed thatthe High Commissioners should leadthe way by calling all the nationals ofEAC member countries in theDiaspora for meetings to inform themof the activities of the community.This, she said, could be the beginningof bigger things to come.

21Continued on page 22

(Above) H.E. Claver Gatete (Rwanda), H.E. Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar (Tanzania),Joan K.N. Rwabyomere (Uganda) and H.E. Joseph Muchemi (Kenya)

22

1ST MEETING ON 23RD TAKES PLACE

The meeting on 23rd August resolved that the calendar of Ambassadors and High Commissioners be held quarterly.

They should develop a website for EAC activities in the diaspora, and the first event for EAC is to host a Capital Market

Day in London. They will also explore the possibility of starting an EAC Newsletter. The meeting was chaired by Kenya

and was attended by representatives from Tanzania and Rwanda. Uganda sent apologies for not attending.

principal Counsellor Abel N Kenyoru

Continued from page 21

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ABOUT THISNEWSLETTERABOUT THISNEWSLETTER

DECISIONS:

a) A committee of senior officials be established and start working on the agenda for the Ambassadors and High

Commissioners. Next meeting to be held on a date to be agreed upon.

b) The committee of senior officials to have its first meeting on 23rd August 2007 at Kenya High Commission’s offices

to brainstorm on how to mobilize nationals of EAC member countries for future events and meetings.

c) Draw up a calendar for the meetings of the EAC Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

d) Prepare for the visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda who will be visiting London in

September.

23

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~~

THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSIONA MISSION SERVING OUR PARTNERS, FRIENDS AND ALL KENYANS

Accredited to serve the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Republic of Ireland and Switzerland

Visa Application Opening times - Monday to Friday9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon (for presentation)

2:00 pm. - 3:30 p.m. (for collection - please allow 72 hours after presentation)

Email ContactsConsular: [email protected]

Visa/Passport: [email protected] Office: [email protected]

Education: [email protected]: [email protected]

www.kenyahighcommission.net

45 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON W1B 1AS TELEPHONE: 020 7636 2371/5 FAX: 020 7323 6717

Our mission is to promote and enhance relations with UK, Irelandand Switzerland and multilateral organizations in our area ofaccreditation; to promote trade and provide information oninvestment incentives and opportunities to Kenya. The Mission alsoprojects and promotes Kenya as a leading tourist destination andprovides consular services to its nationals and citizens from othercountries in the UK.

Visa and Consular ServicesOne of the principle offices at the Mission is the Visa and Consularsection that handles a variety of consular services including;• the issuing of visas to British nationals, as well as nationals of

other European union countries resident in the UK; traveling toKenya for various reasons, including tourism, business, officialgovernment visits, studies/internships, and many more.

• the renewal of Kenyan passports, endorsements andamendments on Kenya passports, issuance of EmergencyCertificates (EC) as well as Certificates of Identity and

Nationality (C.I.N) to Kenyan citizens who have lost theirpassports and urgently need to travel back to Kenya.

• the processing, for transmission to the Principal ImmigrationOfficer -Nairobi, applications for new Kenyan passports as wellas requests for Certificates of Good Conduct.

• The processing for transmission to the office of The Registrar ofPersons, applications for issuance of Certificates of noImpediment to Marriage.

The mission also assists in the Interpretation of The KenyaImmigration Regulations for all interested parties, as well asImmigration Information dissemination. Additional information onVisas, Immigration and Consular matters may be obtained fromthe High Commissions Visas and Consular section at the addressabove or visit our website www.kenyahighcommission.net.

The Kenya High Commission is open for business Monday to Friday at 9:30am to 12:00 noon and 2:00pm to 3:30pm.