January - December 2015 K en ya high commission ottawa Newsletter 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.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Arrival of the Presentation of Credentials

Diplomatic Scene 2 - 5 Multilateral and Bilateral 6 - 9 Engagements

Diaspora Engagements 10 - 11 Tourism and Culture 12 - 13 Pictorials 12 - 13 DIPLOMATIC SCENE ARRIVAL OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

The year saw the arrival of Kenya’s participate over the past week, but new High Commissioner to had to return to Ottawa to present Canada, H.E. John Lanyasunya, my credentials to the government MBS on the 23rd February 2015. as scheduled, to enable me to THE He was met on his arrival by several commence my official duties in KENYA HIGH COMMISSION African Heads of Missions and Canada. OTTAWA Representatives. A good number of officers from the mission was I am aware that a great task awaits me as indeed all of you Kenyans in The Kenya High Commission in also at hand to receive their new Ottawa is accredited to Canada, . pursuing our government’s vision the Republic of Cuba and to for the benefit of the people of our the International Civil Aviation REMARKS BY H.E. AMB. JOHN great nation. Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, L. LANYASUNYA, MBS HIGH Canada. COMMISSIONER TO CANADA Our government has made ON THE OCCASION OF THE tremendous strides in the MANDATE WELCOME RECEPTION, political economic and social The Kenya High Commission’s OTTAWA, 2ND APRIL 2015 spheres, making Kenya a leader mandate is to implement Kenya’s in many respects. Pursuant to the Foreign Policy in Canada, Cuba and I am humbled by your presence promulgation of our constitution ICAO as derived from the Ministry here today, to welcome me to in 2010, a number of milestones of Foreign Affairs and International Canada as the High Commissioner have been achieved. Devolution Trade of the Republic of Kenya. of the Republic of Kenya to is taking root and we are now a MISSION Canada. middle-income economy and the 9th largest in Africa, and one of To build new and robust I had the privilege of presenting the fastest growing economies in partnerships while enhancing my credentials to the Governor sub-Saharan Africa according to existing bilateral relationships General HE David Johnston last the latest Kenya Economic Update between Kenya and the countries Tuesday and I am delighted that of accreditation, as well as published by the World Bank and strengthen co-operation with you could join me in celebrating UNCTAD. Ernst and Young have multilateral organizations based in this special occasion. also named Kenya as one of the Canada especially the International best destinations for Foreign Civil Aviation Organization. I arrived in Canada about three Direct Investment in Africa. weeks ago, to my first experience VISION of Canadian weather but had H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta is to leave shortly afterwards To be a dynamic diplomatic focused on creating an enabling Mission pursuing Kenya’s interest to attend the 15th Biennial environment that will integrate and values in Canada,Cuba and at Conference of / the Kenyan diaspora and enable ICAO High Commissioners, which has them to invest in the nation’s been taking place in Kenya for development. The government the past two weeks. I was able to is also committed to deepening

2015 Edition SPEECH CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 COLUMN 1 H.E. John lanyasunya is welcomed to Canada by the Dean of African , H.E “Our new Foreign Policy and Diaspora Policy recognizes the diaspora’s key role in The High Commission of Kenya in Ottawa Constant Horace, is Kenya’s primary in achieving our development aspirations as articulated in the Kenya Vision 2030. Canada. It is located at 415 Laurier Avenue Amb. of Madagascar. The national Diaspora Policy is a key pillar of our foreign policy. We have made East in Ottawa, the Canadian capital. significant headway, but a lot remains to be done. “ H.E. AMB. JOHN L. LANYASUNYA, MBS serves as High Commissioner.

2 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 3 SPEECH CONTINUED 31st March, 2015, at Rideau Hall WELCOME RECEPTION Presentation of REMARKS Credentials engagement with the diaspora 2015 and the TICAD beyond remittances and in 2016 both being held in H. E. John Lanyasunya, MBS presented his credentials to H. E. recognizes the enormous Africa for the first time. The Rt Hon David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada potential in our diaspora skills, at a colourful Ceremony at Rideau Hall on 31st March 2015. knowledge and expertise. Our new Foreign Policy and Diaspora Policy recognizes This marked the official commencement of his role as Kenya’s It is widely acknowledged the Diaspora’s key role in High Commissioner to Canada. that our education system achieving our development and youth are one of the most aspirations as articulated in The Ceremony was attended by the High Commissioner’s dynamic and technologically the Kenya Vision 2030. The savvy in the African continent national Diaspora Policy is a spouse, several members of staff and officials of the and Kenya remains the bastion key pillar of our foreign policy. Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of of peace and stability in the We have made significant Canada and friends of Kenya. region. headway, but a lot remains to be done. On regional integration, 2ND APRIL, 2015 AT ST. ALIAS great strides have been We are fortunate that Kenya taken towards harmonizing and our Canadian hosts share Welcome Party the EAC, COMESA and similar values, presenting SADC regional blocs and a immense opportunities for WELCOME PARTY FOR THE HIGH COMMISSIONER AT tripartite agreement will soon cooperation for the mutual ST. ELIAS BANQUET CENTRE, OTTAWA 2ND APRIL 2015 be concluded. As an active benefit of both our countries. UN and AU member Kenya In accordance with the Mission’s tradition, a party was continues to champion the I wish to assure you of my hosted in honour of the new High Commissioner, H.E John course of regional stability in personal commitment and Lanyasunya, MBS on 2nd April 2015 at St Elias Banquet Somalia, South Sudan and the that of the Kenya Mission in Centre, Ottawa. He used the opportunity to introduce Great Lakes Region pursuing these noble goals of himself and to get to know some Kenyans living in Canada. our Government and appeal The function was well attended by Kenyans of all walks of life In a remarkable show of our for your support in ensuring government’s resolve to that we meet the expectations mainly from Ottawa and Toronto. promote a vibrant regional of our fellow Kenyans back Speeches were made by the chairs of various associations economy and accelerate home. economic growth, strengthen of Kenyans living in Canada who welcomed the High democratic institutions and I wish to thank you once Commissioner to Canada and promised to support him in his improve security, Kenya again for the warm reception endeavours as Kenya’s Representative to Canada. will next July be co-hosting that my family and I have together with the United received since our arrival in The High Commissioner thanked all those present and looked States government the 2015 Canada and look forward to forward to a good working relationship. He highlighted Global Entrepreneurship interacting with you more his agenda and briefed the attendees of the key strides in Summit in Nairobi; the first over the duration of my tour development that Kenya has made in the recent past. He time ever that this summit is to of duty in Canada. urged them to invest back home and to continue remitting be held in sub-saharan Africa. monies to Kenya to their loved ones. He reminded them of Further to this, Kenya will Asanteni Sana. The Governor General David Johnston receiving the letters their key role in their contribution towards the development also host the WTO Ministerial of credence of His Excellency John Lepi Lanyasunya, High of our motherland. Conference in December Commissioner for the Republic of Kenya.

4 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 5 MULTILATERAL & BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS Promoting Kenya’s Interests 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. KWS officers during a training session, There were well over 1000 exhibitors with over 30000 McGill University, Montreal participants. The CS met the Minister for Trade of PDAC International Convention, Canada, Mr. Ed Fast and several investors. Trade Show & Investors Exchange is the world’s leading Convention for people, companies and organizations 10th and 14th September, 2015 - Senate Committee in, or connected with, mineral 14th March, 2015 - Visit By KWS Officials exploration Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock team Kenya Wildlife Service visit Cuba Six officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service Forensic Senate Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock visited Cuba between 10th and 14th H.E John Lanyasunya with Ms Laboratory visited Canada from 14th March 2015 at September 2015. They were met by Mr. John Cheruiyot, a First Counsellor at this Mission. The team Susan Webb of Vox International the invitation of the Canadian Government. The team that was led by Sen. Kiraitu Murungi was on a study tour to learn from Cuba’s experience on the Inc, who represents Kenya Tourist management, production and marketing of sugar. Board in Canada. was met and accompanied by Mrs Sophie Amboye from the mission. Their visit was a follow-up of the Canadian They met their counterparts, top managers in the industry and had a chance to visit a sugar farm and Government’s support in the fight against wildlife a factory for firsthand experience on the management and production of sugarcane and milling. The trafficking. members of the Senate Committee comprised of Sen. Henry Ole Ndiema, Sen. Peter Mositet and Sen. Moses Kajwang. The officials comprised of three Technicians who underwent training at the DNA Forensic Profiling and Senate Committee on Forensic Center at Trent University in Peterborough. Agriculture, Livestock The Training was part of a $ 2M project funded by Canada and Fisheries in a through the Global Peace and Security Fund (GPSF). discussion with their They included Mr Moses Yongo a Molecular Biologists, Cuban Counterparts Dr. Dominic Mijele, a Senior Veterinary Officer and Ms at the People’s Power Elsie Wambui-Laboratory Technologist. They were later National Assembly, joined by the second group which comprised of Mr Patrick Havana, Cuba 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

6 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 7 23rd - 25th November, 2015 Montreal International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) 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. Kenyan Delegation Visits Bombardier Aerospace Industry, The High Commissioner addressed the plenary and held meetings Montreal 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.

3rd – 10th October, 2015 - Montreal, Canada Parliamentary Studies and Training Board 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.

8 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 9 DIASPORA ENGAGEMENTS Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary 2015 Garissa Terror Jamhuri Day Celebrations and Victims’ Vigil End Year Parties The High Commission joined Kenyans in various parts of Canada in their Hundreds of Kenyans resident in various parts celebrations of Canada held vigil nights to remember fellow EDMONTON: Kenyans who lost their lives as a result of terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 147 Garissa Jamhuri Day Celebration was held on 28th November 2015 was organized by University Students on 2nd April 2015. the Association of Kenyans in Alberta (KIA). The High Commissioner graced the function. The High Commissioner joined Kenyans and TORONTO: friends of Kenya during a vigil at Toronto on 12th April 2015. Other vigils were observed at The Deputy Head of Mission Amb.(Prof) Jane Onsongo accompanied by Ms Carleton University, Winnipeg and Edmonton Scholastica Nasimiyu joined the Umoja Association of Toronto during their where the mission was represented by Mr Edwin Christmas Gala Night on the 5th December 2015. Afande. 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.

30th May, 2015 - Alberta Madaraka Day Celebrations

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 H.E John Lanyasunya, during the celebration. MBS, receiving a gift from Mr Tavares, Chairperson Madaraka Day and Kenya Night celebrations of Wananchi wa Kenya Association. Held on 6th June 2015 in Mississauga, Toronto by Kenyan The Deputy Head of Mission addresses Community in Ontario (Toronto) and Wananchi Wa Kenya Umoja Association members during respectively. The High Commissioner accompanied by several their Christmas Gala Night, Toronto,5th members of staff graced the two parties. In his message, the December 2015 High Commissioner urged Kenyans to be patriotic and to remain united.

10 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 11 TOURISM AND CULTURE 23rd to 25th October, 2015 Montreal Ottawa Marathon Montreal Travel

The annual Ottawa Marathon Weekend took place on 25th Show May 2015. The Kenyan athletes did not disappoint, the Men took the top three marathon positions, with the women taking The 2015 International Tourism and Travel Show took the first and second places. Kenyans living in Canada turned up place in Montreal, Quebec from 23rd to 25th October in large numbers to cheer their countrymen and women. 2015. The High Commission staff led by Mrs Sophie Amboye joined staff from Kenya Tourism Board and The staff of the High Commission were at hand not only to Kenya Utalii College to partner in showcasing Kenya as a cheer the athletes but to also promote Kenyan tea by offering it preferred tourist destination. as refreshment to the athletes as well as to the spectators. The High Commissioner participated in the event.

The Kenyan stand attracted thousands of visitors who Ottawa Marathon 2015: Kenya showed interest in visiting Kenya. They admired the athletes pose with the the High Commissioner H.E John various artifacts on show and collected the giveaways Pictorals Lanyasunya, MBS that were at their disposal.

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

President of the Kenyan Community in Ottawa Mr Denis Lusisa and Mr Boniface Mweu, a member of the Commissioners of the Kenya National association paying a courtesy call to the commission on Human Rights(KNCHR) with Sen. Kiraitu Murungi, Chairman of the High Commissioner The Chief Justice , Hon Dr. Willy the High Commissioner H E John Lanyasunya Senate Committee on Agriculture, Mutunga with the Staff of the Kenya and the Deputy Head of Mission Amb (Prof) Livestock and Fisheries Committee High Commission, Ottawa Jane Onsongo exchanging gifts with his counterpart during a visit to Cuba in September 2015 Kenya Boys Band at the Chancery

12 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 Kenya High Commission Ottawa January - December | 2015 | Issue 01 13 “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

Contacts

Let’s keep in touch KENYA HIGH COMMISSION OTTAWA Editorial Advisor - H.E. John Lanyasunya, MBS Chief Editor- Amb. (Prof) Jane Onsongo 415 Laurier Avenue East, Kenyan High Commission To Canada & Cuba Members - Mr. John Cheruiyot | Mr. Robert Kobia | Ottawa Ontario | K1N 6R4 Canada Edwin Afande, Sophie Amboye, Isaiah Koech, James visit our website Karani and Scholastica Nasimiyu Telephone: +1 613 563 1773 for more information Fax: (613) 233-6599 http://www.kenyahighcommission.ca Design & Typesetting - Mchizi Media Inc.