US ambassador to Kenya explains how "America First" will benefit Kenya

The US ambassador to Kenya on Wednesday afternoon visited Maseno University to preach peace ahead of the forthcoming August 8 elections.

Robert F. Godec visited the institution to talk to young Kenyans, constituting of voters in the forthcoming general elections, about exercising peaceful elections.

“Kenya is an extraordinary amazing country, which has many opportunities. You have accomplished so much since independence as a nation and it is therefore important to ensure that these elections are free, fair, credible and honest elections,” said the ambassador.

Mr. Godec also talked of the American embassy ensuring that the US universities create more partnerships with Kenya.“We will ensure that there are many universities in the United States partnering with Kenya be it in exchange programs or research programs. As an embassy we are also doing voter education outreach. All we are doing is investing in the future academy, peaceful activities to ensure that there is peace,” he affirmed.

He added that preaching peace does not guarantee that there will be a peaceful elections but it only guides the citizens into making the right decisions that will leave us all satisfied with the outcomes. The ambassador emphasised that it is the responsibility of Kenyans to make the decision come August 8 by raising their voices and committing to participate in making Kenya great through the votes that will be cast on that day.

The ambassador said that corruption is undermining the future of Kenya; it is undermining democracy, security. He however added that this could only change if Kenyans start to show actions and start making the right decisions.

Talking on President Donald Trump’s policy of America first, the ambassador said that America being first does not literally mean that all the other nations are left out. He affirmed that it is through making America first that will put America in a better position in helping the still developing countries.

The event came just a day after the USAID’s withdrawal from financing the Ministry of Health due to corruption scandals. The United States Ambassador to Kenya issued a letter to the government of Kenya suspending US Government, including USAID, direct assistance to the Ministry of Health.

Among the people who attended the event were Maseno University Vice Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi and Kenyan recording and performing artists Juliani and Dela Maranga.