Rwandese living in Kenya during the fete in Nairobi to celebrate quadranscentennial Liberation Day of their country. [David Gichuru, Standard]
Kenya enjoys good diplomatic and trade relations with Rwanda that can grow even better to see the prosperity of the people of the two nations and East Africa in general, Ababu Namwamba, the Chief accounting officer in the Foreign Ministry has said.
Nawamba said the Government of Kenya recognises Rwanda’s transformational leadership and resolute political will that has been at the center of transformed governance and socio-economic fabric of the Rwandese society.
“We note with deep satisfaction that Rwanda has remained steadfast in its endeavor to enhanced national building and development through the strengthening of national institutions, consolidation peace and security and spearheading women empowerment,” he said.
Namwamba was speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the liberation day of Rwanda under the leadership of President Paul Kagame held at the new Nairobi Hospital conference centre in the city.
SEE ALSO :Rwandans born of genocide rape discover silence is healingHe noted that businesses and investment exchanges between Kenya and Rwanda have been on the rise due to the prevailing peaceful environment and encouraged all humankind to reduce conflict and genocide in particular.
Since 1994, Rwanda has made tremendous strides that have elevated the country to a nation of reference in regard to stare recovery and national development.
Speaking at the colourful event, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Richard Masozera stressed the importance of the day noting that day beckons Rwandans to celebrate the long but difficult journey since Rwanda Patriotic Front and its military wing the Rwanda Patriotic army stopped the genocide against the Tutsi.
A murderous regime had descended upon its own citizens and massacred over 1 million innocent lives in a period of three months.
“The Liberation Day compels us to sit down and talk, reflect on our achievements and make informed decisions on where we want to be as a nation,” said envoy Masozera who went ahead to recognise Liberation war veterans in the imposing auditorium.
SEE ALSO :Rwanda honors victims killed in genocide 25 years agoHe said Kenya and Rwanda enjoy a strong partnership based on a shared commitment to promoting peace and security, economic prosperity and improving the welfare of the citizens of the two East African nations.
“As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary of Rwanda, I wish to state that our future is also based on the ties we nurture with our neighbours and the World and we are proud of the long history of friendship with Kenya,’ he said.
Guests danced the night away
Growth
Statistics show that Rwanda has a GDP per capita of Sh12, 500 in 1994 and now has an increased GDP per capita of Sh77, 600.
Rwanda prides of immunization coverage of 97 per cent and it has been rated the second easiest place to do business in Sub-Saharan Africa and now the top emerging destinations on the continent.
SEE ALSO :Rwanda remembers genocide 25 years later“As this year’s theme states Rwandans working together to build a new country that delivers on security, public services and economic opportunities for all the citizens. Ordinary Rwandans participated in the development of our Vision 2020, the design and execution of our national unity and reconciliation strategy, the delivery of the Gacaca system of justice, and the drafting of our constitution.
The occasion was marked with music and dance featuring Rwandan cultural dance style that depicts the riches of the long horned cow.
Young Rwandan diaspora living in Nairobi recited poetry and sang in praise of the heroes of Liberation and celebrating achievements by the Rwandan people in the past 25 years.
Joining in the dance Ababu disclosed that he was an honorary member of the Kigali memorial and that he pays pilgrimage to the memorial at least once a year.
Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Eritrea to Kenya Estifanos Afeworki led in cutting the commemorative cake in an event that was attended by over two dozen envoys of various countries.
SEE ALSO :Prince Charles announces visit to Rwanda
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RwandaDiplomatic relationsLiberation Day Rwanda
