Saturday, July 23, 2016
By PSCU, Citizen Digital
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday held a meeting with the United State’s top diplomat for African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who assured of America’s continued support to Kenya.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said the United States is committed to support Kenya’s efforts to foster regional stability and security.
She said that the US government will continue supporting Kenya’s efforts to transform its economy.
The envoy said one area the United States is keen working on more closely with Kenya is infrastructural development, a sector the government has invested billions of shillings in.
The President and the envoy also discussed the direct flights between Kenya and the US, whose plans are at advanced stages.
Ms Thomas-Greenfield, who was accompanied by US Ambassador Robert Godec during the meeting at State House, said the process of clearing Kenya Airways to fly to the US is at a final stage and the first flight could take off before the end of the year.
The US envoy also discussed regional security issues with the President, including recent developments in South Sudan and Somalia.
On Somalia and the related issue of repatriation of refugees from Kenya, the envoy said the US was on the same page with Kenya.
She said the US appreciates the fact that the Kenya government is using a structured approach in its plan to close refugee camps and repatriate refugees.
“We panicked at first but we are thankful it is a structured process,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.
President Kenyatta said the US, as a true ally of Kenya, understands Kenya’s concerns and reasons for reaching the decision to close the refugee camp.
“We are faced with real challenges and we need to remain focused,” said President Kenyatta even as he urged the US to increase its support for the stabilisation of Somalia.
The President said the US and the European Union need to increase their support to strengthen the Somalia National Army as well as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).