Kenyan Community in Ukraine (KCU)

Kenyan Community in Ukraine (KCU) Key Points of Discussions and Outcomes: His Excellency Kenya’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation visit to Ukraine

Prepared By Eddy Orinda, President of the Kenyan Community in Ukraine

Points of Discussion:

1. A brief to His Excellency on the Kenyan Community in Ukraine

2. Security in Ukraine

3. Commercial agents to institutions of higher learning in Ukraine

4. Education fund for Kenyan students in Ukraine

5. Government support and acknowledgment of the Kenyan Community in Ukraine

6. Consular issues: Passport renewals and registration of persons

7. Proposed visit to the Kenyan High Commission in Moscow

8. Address by His Excellency the ambassador to the Russian Federation: Amb. Matthew K. M’Ithiri

9. Address by the Education attaché: Mr. Peter Aura

10. Address by the President, Kenyan Community in Ukraine: Mr. Eddy Nicholas Orinda

Outcomes:

 That the Embassy will in writing give the Kenyan Community in Ukraine recognition and further authorize in wring the President of the Kenyan Community to intervene on issues related to welfare and education in Ukraine. It was however agreed that this authority will not be political or diplomatic in any aspect. The letter will clearly spell out areas of intervention as stressed by the Education attaché Mr. Peter Aura.

 That the embassy is currently discussing with the Ministry of Education in Kenya a policy on commercial agents to institutions of higher learning and would communicate to the Kenyan Community actions that would follow. This will help Kenyans seek legal redress where money has been obtained from them through false pretence.

 That the Embassy takes seriously any report concerning the insecurity of Kenyans in Russian Federation and CIS which includes Ukraine and will never hesitate to make without delay strong complains to the relevant authorities whenever a Kenyan is assaulted. In this regard the Embassy would appreciate details about any incidence. This should include, date, time, address of the spot of attack plus details about course of study and university. Further, when incidents occur to Kenyans in the future, in addition to reporting to relevant authorities immediately, the Embassy should also be informed with all the details. This will help the Embassy pursue the matter with the authorities.

 That the objectives and plans of KCU as stated in Article 5 of Constitution were relevant and that if they were achieved through plans as per the brief to H.E. the Ambassador they will go along way in contributing to the welfare of Kenyans in Ukraine. However, the success will depend more on the contribution from the members of KCU.

 That the Embassy shall be grateful to receive the list of names of the Kenyan students in Ukraine indicating their date of arrival in Ukraine, university and course of study. It shall also be grateful to receive the duly completed registration forms.

 That the Kenyan Community in Ukraine efforts to set up an education Fund within the early stages of its humble beginnings is impressive and highly welcome.

 That there are plans underway to initiate bursary and scholarship for Kenyan students in Ukraine but that partnership in this regard is yet to be finalized between the governments of Kenya and Ukraine. Details of criteria for application and eligibility will be made available as soon as the partnership is finalized.

 That Universities in Ukraine are fully recognized by the Kenyan government and so will the degrees.

 That synergy with other African nationalities in the fashion of an African Students Union will improve the attention of the Ukrainian authority’s sensitivity to issues, problems and challenges faced by international students. In this regard, His Excellency requested leadership of the Kenyan Community to follow up on this proposal.

 That on politics and diplomacy between Kenya and Ukraine, it is already recommended that Kenya posts a honorary consulate to assist with consular issues for Kenyans living in Ukraine. This will however be confirmed in the coming days, months and years.

 That a statement on finance issues with banks in Ukraine where Kenyan students have been violated and illegally charged fees be forwarded to the embassy for follow up with the Ukrainian authorities. This shall also include any cases of unfair treatment in institutions of higher learning.

 That Kenyan living in Ukraine must struggle to uphold and protect Kenyan values and integrity by way of discipline and excellence in academics.

 That while the government of Kenya has an obligation to assist with passports, Kenyans have an obligation to care for passports and use them only for the required purposes. Further, that passports are properties of the Kenyan government and can be withdrawn when not used for the intended purposes.

 That the proposed visit to Moscow by a delegation of the Kenyan Community in Ukraine is welcome and will be handled by the incoming Ambassador who will also be briefed on the KCU and it’s development.