January - December 2015 Kenya high commission ottawa

Kenyahigh

commissionottawa

N e w s l e t t e r

Arrival of the High CommissionerPresentation of Credentials

January - December 2015

The Kenya High Commission in Ottawa was established in 1978 with

a Mandate to promote, project and protect the image and the interests

of Kenya and the Kenyan community in Canada. The mission is also

accredited to Cuba.

Diplomatic Scene

Multilateral and Bilateral Engagements

Diaspora Engagements

Tourism and Culture

Pictorials

2 - 5

6 - 9

10 - 11

12 - 13

12 - 13

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

participate over the past week, but had to return to Ottawa to present my credentials to the government as scheduled, to enable me to commence my official duties in Canada.

I am aware that a great task awaits me as indeed all of you Kenyans in pursuing our government’s vision for the benefit of the people of our great nation.

Our government has made tremendous strides in the political economic and social spheres, making Kenya a leader in many respects. Pursuant to the promulgation of our constitution in 2010, a number of milestones have been achieved. Devolution is taking root and we are now a middle-income economy and the 9th largest in Africa, and one of the fastest growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa according to the latest Kenya Economic Update published by the World Bank and UNCTAD. Ernst and Young have also named Kenya as one of the best destinations for Foreign Direct Investment in Africa.

H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta is focused on creating an enabling environment that will integrate the Kenyan diaspora and enable them to invest in the nation’s development. The government is also committed to deepening

ARRIVAL OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

DIPLOMATIC SCENE

“Our new Foreign Policy and Diaspora Policy recognizes the diaspora’s key role in achieving our development aspirations as articulated in the Kenya Vision 2030. The national Diaspora Policy is a key pillar of our foreign policy. We have made significant headway, but a lot remains to be done. “

The Kenya High Commission in Ottawa is accredited to Canada, the Republic of Cuba and to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada.

MANDATE

The Kenya High Commission’s mandate is to implement Kenya’s Foreign Policy in Canada, Cuba and ICAO as derived from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Kenya.

MISSION

To build new and robust partnerships while enhancing existing bilateral relationships between Kenya and the countries of accreditation, as well as strengthen co-operation with multilateral organizations based in Canada especially the International Civil Aviation Organization.

VISION

To be a dynamic diplomatic Mission pursuing Kenya’s interest and values in Canada,Cuba and at ICAO

THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSION OTTAWA

2015 Edition

The High Commission of Kenya in Ottawa is Kenya’s primary diplomatic mission in Canada. It is located at 415 Laurier Avenue East in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.

H.E. AMB. JOHN L. LANYASUNYA, MBS serves as High Commissioner.

The year saw the arrival of Kenya’s new High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. John Lanyasunya, MBS on the 23rd February 2015. He was met on his arrival by several African Heads of Missions and Representatives. A good number of officers from the mission was also at hand to receive their new Head of Mission.

REMARKS BY H.E. AMB. JOHN L. LANYASUNYA, MBS HIGH COMMISSIONER TO CANADA ON THE OCCASION OF THE WELCOME RECEPTION, OTTAWA, 2ND APRIL 2015

I am humbled by your presence here today, to welcome me to Canada as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Canada.

I had the privilege of presenting my credentials to the Governor General HE David Johnston last Tuesday and I am delighted that you could join me in celebrating this special occasion.

I arrived in Canada about three weeks ago, to my first experience of Canadian weather but had to leave shortly afterwards to attend the 15th Biennial Conference of Ambassadors/High Commissioners, which has been taking place in Kenya for the past two weeks. I was able to

SPEECH CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 COLUMN 1H.E. John lanyasunya is welcomed to Canada

by the Dean of African Diplomatic Corps, H.E Constant Horace,

Amb. of Madagascar.

Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 32

WELCOME RECEPTION REMARKS

Presentation of Credentials

Welcome Party

SPEECH CONTINUED 31st March, 2015, at Rideau Hall

2ND APRIL, 2015 AT ST. ALIAS

H. E. John Lanyasunya, MBS presented his credentials to H. E. The Rt Hon David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada at a colourful Ceremony at Rideau Hall on 31st March 2015.

This marked the official commencement of his role as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada.

The Ceremony was attended by the High Commissioner’s spouse, several members of staff and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada and friends of Kenya.

WELCOME PARTY FOR THE HIGH COMMISSIONER AT ST. ELIAS BANQUET CENTRE, OTTAWA 2ND APRIL 2015

In accordance with the Mission’s tradition, a party was hosted in honour of the new High Commissioner, H.E John Lanyasunya, MBS on 2nd April 2015 at St Elias Banquet Centre, Ottawa. He used the opportunity to introduce himself and to get to know some Kenyans living in Canada. The function was well attended by Kenyans of all walks of life mainly from Ottawa and Toronto.

Speeches were made by the chairs of various associations of Kenyans living in Canada who welcomed the High Commissioner to Canada and promised to support him in his endeavours as Kenya’s Representative to Canada.

The High Commissioner thanked all those present and looked forward to a good working relationship. He highlighted his agenda and briefed the attendees of the key strides in development that Kenya has made in the recent past. He urged them to invest back home and to continue remitting monies to Kenya to their loved ones. He reminded them of their key role in their contribution towards the development of our motherland.

The Governor General David Johnston receiving the letters of credence of His Excellency John Lepi Lanyasunya, High Commissioner for the Republic of Kenya.

engagement with the diaspora beyond remittances and recognizes the enormous potential in our diaspora skills, knowledge and expertise.

It is widely acknowledged that our education system and youth are one of the most dynamic and technologically savvy in the African continent and Kenya remains the bastion of peace and stability in the region.

On regional integration, great strides have been taken towards harmonizing the EAC, COMESA and SADC regional blocs and a tripartite agreement will soon be concluded. As an active UN and AU member Kenya continues to champion the course of regional stability in Somalia, South Sudan and the Great Lakes Region

In a remarkable show of our government’s resolve to promote a vibrant regional economy and accelerate economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions and improve security, Kenya will next July be co-hosting together with the United States government the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi; the first time ever that this summit is to be held in sub-saharan Africa. Further to this, Kenya will also host the WTO Ministerial Conference in December

2015 and the TICAD Summit in 2016 both being held in Africa for the first time.

Our new Foreign Policy and Diaspora Policy recognizes the Diaspora’s key role in achieving our development aspirations as articulated in the Kenya Vision 2030. The national Diaspora Policy is a key pillar of our foreign policy. We have made significant headway, but a lot remains to be done.

We are fortunate that Kenya and our Canadian hosts share similar values, presenting immense opportunities for cooperation for the mutual benefit of both our countries.

I wish to assure you of my personal commitment and that of the Kenya Mission in pursuing these noble goals of our Government and appeal for your support in ensuring that we meet the expectations of our fellow Kenyans back home.

I wish to thank you once again for the warm reception that my family and I have received since our arrival in Canada and look forward to interacting with you more over the duration of my tour of duty in Canada.

Asanteni Sana.


Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock team visit CubaSenate Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock visited Cuba between 10th and 14th September 2015. They were met by Mr. John Cheruiyot, a First Counsellor at this Mission. The team that was led by Sen. Kiraitu Murungi was on a study tour to learn from Cuba’s experience on the management, production and marketing of sugar.

They met their counterparts, top managers in the industry and had a chance to visit a sugar farm and a factory for firsthand experience on the management and production of sugarcane and milling. The members of the Senate Committee comprised of Sen. Henry Ole Ndiema, Sen. Peter Mositet and Sen. Moses Kajwang.

10th and 14th September, 2015 - Senate Committee

Promoting Kenya’s Interests

Kenya Wildlife Service

MULTILATERAL & BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS

14th March, 2015 - Visit By KWS Officials

The year saw the Mission engage in several multilateral and bilateral engagements geared towards promoting Kenya’s interests in Canada, Cuba and the International Community.

The Then Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Hon Najib Balala, attended the conference and was accompanied by Mr Edwin Afande of the Mission.

There were well over 1000 exhibitors with over 30000 participants. The CS met the Minister for Trade of Canada, Mr. Ed Fast and several investors.

Six officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service Forensic Laboratory visited Canada from 14th March 2015 at the invitation of the Canadian Government. The team was met and accompanied by Mrs Sophie Amboye from the mission. Their visit was a follow-up of the Canadian Government’s support in the fight against wildlife trafficking.

The officials comprised of three Technicians who underwent training at the DNA Forensic Profiling and Forensic Center at Trent University in Peterborough. The Training was part of a $ 2M project funded by Canada through the Global Peace and Security Fund (GPSF). They included Mr Moses Yongo a Molecular Biologists, Dr. Dominic Mijele, a Senior Veterinary Officer and Ms Elsie Wambui-Laboratory Technologist. They were later joined by the second group which comprised of Mr Patrick Omondi , the Deputy Director Species Conservation and Management; Dr Francis Gakuya , Head of Veterinary Services and Ms Ettah Muango the Principal Legal Officer. The three underwent a higher level training at the same institution

H.E John Lanyasunya with Ms Susan Webb of Vox International

Inc, who represents Kenya Tourist Board in Canada.

PDAC International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange is the world’s

leading Convention for people, companies and organizations in, or connected with, mineral

exploration

KWS officers during a training session, McGill University, Montreal

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock

and Fisheries in a discussion with their Cuban Counterparts

at the People’s Power National Assembly,

Havana, Cuba


International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

Parliamentary Studies and Training Board

23rd - 25th November, 2015 Montreal

3rd – 10th October, 2015 - Montreal, Canada

The ICAO World Aviation Forum was held in Montreal from 23rd to 25th November 2015.

The Kenya delegation was led by the High Commissioner, H. E. John Lanyasunya. Members of the delegation included Mr. Afande of the Kenya High Commission, Ms Mercy Awori, Kenya Representative to ICAO, Mr Mugambi, The Director, East African School of Aviation, and Mr. Caleb Macomondi, Director of Training.

The High Commissioner addressed the plenary and held meetings with the Secretary General, President of the Council and other aviation Ministers with a view to enhancing cooperation within the aviation industry and increasing Kenya’s competitive advantage.

The Board Members of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) led by Senator Beth Mugo, EGH, MP, Vice Chairperson, Parliamentary Service Commission, Chairperson CPST Board visited McGill University in Montreal Canada from 3rd – 10th October 2015. The delegation consisted of 14 members (8 Commissioners, 3 Parliamentary Staff and 3 accompanying aides. )

The delegation was received in Montreal by H.E the High Commissioner, Mr. John Lanyasunya, MBS and Mrs Sophie Amboye.

The Board was visiting the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) at McGill University which runs the International Professional Development Program for parliamentary staff, a program funded by the World Bank (WB). The goal of the program is to advance parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance.

The purpose of the visit by the CPST Board was to establish collaboration and partnership in the areas of capacity building, research, and sharing of staff resources.

Kenyan Delegation Visits Bombardier Aerospace Industry, Montreal


2015 Garissa Terror Victims’ Vigil

DIASPORA ENGAGEMENTS

Hundreds of Kenyans resident in various parts of Canada held vigil nights to remember fellow Kenyans who lost their lives as a result of terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 147 Garissa University Students on 2nd April 2015.

The High Commissioner joined Kenyans and friends of Kenya during a vigil at Toronto on 12th April 2015. Other vigils were observed at Carleton University, Winnipeg and Edmonton where the mission was represented by Mr Edwin Afande.

H.E John Lanyasunya, MBS, receiving a gift from

Mr Tavares, Chairperson of Wananchi wa Kenya

Association.The Deputy Head of Mission addresses Umoja Association members during their Christmas Gala Night, Toronto,5th December 2015

Jamhuri Day Celebrations and End Year Parties

Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary

The High Commission joined Kenyans in various parts of Canada in their celebrations

EDMONTON:

Jamhuri Day Celebration was held on 28th November 2015 was organized by the Association of Kenyans in Alberta (KIA). The High Commissioner graced the function.

TORONTO:

The Deputy Head of Mission Amb.(Prof) Jane Onsongo accompanied by Ms Scholastica Nasimiyu joined the Umoja Association of Toronto during their Christmas Gala Night on the 5th December 2015.

WINNIPEG:

Mr Robert Kobia represented the Mission during Jamhuri Day Celebration on 12th December 2015 held at Winnipeg, Manitoba. The function was organized by Kenya Association of Manitoba.

CALGARY:

The Jamhuri Day Celebration took place on the 12th December 2015 and the High Commission was represented by Mr John Cheruiyot. It was organized by the Kenya Calgary Association.

Madaraka Day Celebrations30th May, 2015 - Alberta

This was marked by joining Kenya Diaspora in various parts of Canada as follows:

Madaraka Day Barbecue, Ottawa

The High Commissioner and his staff joined Kenyans resident in Ottawa for a Barbecue on 6th September2015 at Vincent Massey , Park Ottawa.

Madaraka Day Fete, Edmonton

the function was organized by Kenyans in Alberta (KIA) and it took place on 30th May 2015. The High Commissioner accompanied by Mr Edwin Afande joined hundreds of Kenyans during the celebration.

Madaraka Day and Kenya Night celebrations

Held on 6th June 2015 in Mississauga, Toronto by Kenyan Community in Ontario (Toronto) and Wananchi Wa Kenya respectively. The High Commissioner accompanied by several members of staff graced the two parties. In his message, the High Commissioner urged Kenyans to be patriotic and to remain united.


Ottawa Marathon

Pictorals

Montreal Travel ShowThe annual Ottawa Marathon Weekend took place on 25th

May 2015. The Kenyan athletes did not disappoint, the Men took the top three marathon positions, with the women taking the first and second places. Kenyans living in Canada turned up in large numbers to cheer their countrymen and women.

The staff of the High Commission were at hand not only to cheer the athletes but to also promote Kenyan tea by offering it as refreshment to the athletes as well as to the spectators.

TOURISM AND CULTURE 23rd to 25th October, 2015 Montreal

The 2015 International Tourism and Travel Show took place in Montreal, Quebec from 23rd to 25th October 2015. The High Commission staff led by Mrs Sophie Amboye joined staff from Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Utalii College to partner in showcasing Kenya as a preferred tourist destination.

The High Commissioner participated in the event.

The Kenyan stand attracted thousands of visitors who showed interest in visiting Kenya. They admired the various artifacts on show and collected the giveaways that were at their disposal.

Ottawa Marathon 2015: Kenya athletes pose with the the

High Commissioner H.E John Lanyasunya, MBS

Deputy Head of Mission and Ms Scholar Nasimiyu posing for a group photo with the officials of Umoja Association during their Christmas Gala On 5th December

2015

Kenya Boys Band at the Chancery

President of the Kenyan Community in Ottawa Mr Denis Lusisa and Mr Boniface Mweu, a member of the

association paying a courtesy call to the High Commissioner Sen. Kiraitu Murungi, Chairman of the

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee

exchanging gifts with his counterpart during a visit to Cuba in September 2015

Commissioners of the Kenya National commission on Human Rights(KNCHR) with

the High Commissioner H E John Lanyasunya and the Deputy Head of Mission Amb (Prof)

Jane Onsongo

The Chief Justice , Hon Dr. Willy Mutunga with the Staff of the Kenya

High Commission, Ottawa


Let’s keep in touch

Contacts

Kenyan High Commission To Canada & Cuba

visit our website for more informationhttp://www.kenyahighcommission.ca

Editorial Advisor - H.E. John Lanyasunya, MBS

Chief Editor- Amb. (Prof) Jane Onsongo

Members - Mr. John Cheruiyot | Mr. Robert Kobia |

Edwin Afande, Sophie Amboye, Isaiah Koech, James

Karani and Scholastica Nasimiyu

Design & Typesetting - Mchizi Media Inc.

KENYA HIGH COMMISSION OTTAWA

415 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa Ontario | K1N 6R4 Canada

Telephone: +1 613 563 1773Fax: (613) 233-6599

“We are fortunate that Kenya and our Canadian hosts share similar values, presenting immense opportunities for cooperation for the mutual benefit of both our countries.”

– His Excellency John Lepi Lanyasunya, High Commissioner for the Republic of Kenya

January - December 2015 Kenya high commission ottawa

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