Kenya gives US$1m to Japan victims

President Kibaki. Photo/FILE

By PPS
Posted  Monday, May 30 2011 at 13:29

The Government of Kenya on Monday donated US$1 million (KSh 82 million) to assist victims of the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan in March this year.

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Presenting the donation at Harambee House, President Kibaki assured the Government of Japan of Kenya’s full support in addressing the devastation caused by the earthquake.

“As you continue to heal from this tragedy of almost unimaginable severity, we pray to the almighty God to grant comfort and courage to the bereaved families and the entire nation in overcoming the great pain and loss,” President Kibaki said.

The President further expressed confidence that through collective efforts and resilience of the Japanese people will enable them to recover from the challenging circumstances.

At the bilateral level, President Kibaki said Japan has been a very good friend of Kenya for a long time and a leading development partner.

Crucial Role

In this regard, the Head of State noted that Japan has assisted in many projects that have played a crucial role in Kenya’s development.

Said President Kibaki: “On behalf of my Government, I wish to sincerely thank the Government of Japan for the quality financial and technical support it has continued to extend in support of our economic agenda.”

In keeping with the close partnership between the two countries, President Kibaki appreciated the fact that Kenya is the largest recipient of Japanese Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) in Africa.

The President also observed that Nairobi hosts one of the largest Japanese communities on the continent and is the regional headquarters for all of Japan's major Agencies as well as its largest trading houses.

President Kibaki once again expressed his personal and Kenyans’ sincere condolences and sympathies to the Government, families of the victims and the entire Japanese people following the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that hit their country.

Solidarity

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Japanese Government, Japanese ambassador to Kenya, Mr Toshihisa Takata thanked the Government and the people of Kenya for their expression of solidarity during this time when Japan is passing through difficult circumstances.

Mr Takata said the donation will go a long way in assisting those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in his country.

Speaking during the occasion, the Minister for Internal Security and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Prof George Saitoti said Japan occupies a special place in Kenya’s diplomatic relations.

In this regard, Prof Saitoti assured that Kenya will continue working together with the Government of Japan in addressing the challenges resulting from the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Present during the occasion were Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi, Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Mr Francis Muthaura and Acting Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr Patrick Wamoto among others.