NAIROBI: THE new British High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey, has officially taken office after presenting his credentials to President Uhuru. He presented these on Tuesday at the Kenyatta State House in Nairobi. After passing on the compliments of both the Queen and Prime Minister Cameron to the President and the Kenyan people, the High Commissioner noted that the United Kingdom’s relationship with Kenya was one of deep respect and mutual interest.

“We stand today as two vibrant and modern countries, crucial to the success of our respective regions. We are each safer and more prosperous when the other is so,” he said. Hailey underlined the heightened value of Britain and Kenya’s strong and enduring relationship. In particular, he emphasised Britain’s commitment to grow further the commercial and development partnerships between the two countries to tackle poverty and to improve education and health in Kenya.

The High Commissioner also pledged increased British support to Kenyan efforts to tackle regional security and environmental issues affecting the interests of both countries.

He pledged to work with Kenya to support the integration and development of the region, build together greater security in Somalia, South Sudan and the Great Lakes as well as tackle the global challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to the spread of violent extremism. “We face these challenges as close partners, and as committed and engaged members of the Commonwealth and the international community of nations,” he said.

SOURCE: CAJ NEWS AGENCY