Geneva — President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored the role played by Kenya's permanent mission in Geneva, Switzerland, in promoting the country's interests at the global arena.
Speaking on Saturday afternoon when he commissioned a new premise for Kenya's Chancery at the Permanent Mission in Geneva, President Kenyatta said the Mission has been effective in presenting Kenya's vision and influencing global outcomes in the community of nations.
"Kenya, like other nations, must employ a range of strategic tools to leverage opportunities and manage risks in the current complex and interconnected global environment. In this context, high-level diplomacy is critical," he said.
He pointed out that Kenya's strong presence in Geneva since 1995 has enabled the country to remain strategically engaged in multilateralism besides making significant contributions towards a better world.
The Head of State added that he has always endeavoured to entrench Kenya's position as a preferred destination for high-level multilateral engagements, a move that has worked to boost the country's visibility on a broad range of regional and international issues.
"My presence here today to commission this chancery symbolizes our desire to boost Kenya's image globally, consolidate Kenya's relevance internationally, shape and strengthen our international footprint," President Kenyatta said.
The President said the Government intends to own buildings housing Kenya's diplomatic missions abroad as a way of integrating with the host countries and strengthening bilateral ties.
He commended Kenya's Permanent Representative to United Nations Offices in Geneva, Amb. Cleophas Mailu and all the line Government departments for working together to complete the building project on time and within the budget.
"Therefore, as we celebrate this achievement today, I urge you all to continue flying Kenya's flag higher recognizing that your achievements are Kenya's achievements; and you should always endeavour to safeguard Kenya's national image and interests wherever you are," the President said.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo thanked President Kenyatta for encouraging and facilitating Government officials to initiate and execute projects that directly benefit the country.
"I want to invite His Excellency the President who inspires us everyday to do projects of this nature, to push the envelop higher to do things that are otherwise considered impossible," said CS Omamo.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
On his part, Ambassador Mailu thanked President Kenyatta for his visionary leadership as Kenya's top diplomat.
He pointed out that the President's relentless efforts in pursuit of what is best for the country is what enabled them put up the new complex referred to as "House of missions" that will also accommodate the missions of Namibia, Botswana, Ghana and Philippines.
Amb. Mailu added that the Chancery in Geneva will remain a constant inspiration to the staff in the Mission to continue flying Kenya's flag even higher in the community of nations.
"Kenya has never shied away from this responsibility and we promise to continue to buttress Kenya's image, promote and protect our national interests now and in the future," he said.
Also present at the event were Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, several diplomats and permanent representatives of various nations at the UN offices in Geneva led by Amb. Leopold Ismael Samba, the Permanent Representative of Central African Republic and Dean of the African Group, and Amb. Thaband Matjama who is the Permanent Representative of Lesotho and Chairperson of the African Group in Geneva. - Pscu
