President Uhuru Kenyatta appeals to ambassadors to help clean Kenya's security image abroad

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya is entertained by MijiKenda traditional dancers upon arrival at Ukunda airstrip in Kwale County Tuesday. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

KWALE: President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked Kenya's envoys abroad to reverse the negative global standing Kenya has acquired due to insecurity.

Uhuru also directed the envoys to market the country as a viable manufacturing, innovation and trade hub.

"One urgent task ahead for all of you is to mitigate the unfair, unnecessary and damaging profiling inflicted on our country, especially as regards the security situation," said the President.

He was addressing Kenyan ambassadors and high commissioners during the 17th Biennial conference at Leisure Lodge Golf Club and Resort in Kwale County Tuesday.

The theme of the conference is 'Building bridges for effective diplomatic engagement'. The President directed the envoys to promote Kenya's anti-corruption efforts in the foreign countries to assure investors that Kenya is committed to eliminating the vice.

"My Government is committed and dedicated to eradicating waste, malpractice and abuses within the public service. I am taking active steps to realise a corruption-free public service," he said.

He told the diplomats that as his representatives abroad, they should exhibit integrity.

"You will be our investors' and visitors' first experience of Kenya. Make this experience a proud one for us. Do not let us down," he reiterated.

Accompanying the president were Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, her counterparts Najib Balala (Mining), Joseph Nkaissery (Interior) and Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Uhuru said Kenya is stable and expressed optimism that the West will soon lift the travel advisories.

"We have experienced the tranquility of our Coastal region, and its readiness to engage in the transformational agenda. I want to reassure everyone that the Kenyan Coast is safe, and that sound measures have been taken to assure all our visitors of security," he said.

He said the Government has deeply invested in the pan-African agenda and will intensify its focus on Africa as a platform to grow, even as it maintains and grows relations with the rest of the world.

"Kenya's prosperity relies heavily on our ties with other countries. Our region and continent is our umbilical cord. We simply cannot grow without Africa," he said.

He observed that the recent opening of new diplomatic missions in Algeria, Angola and other countries, as well as the appointment of honorary consuls, was not just a ceremonial affair but meant to improve social economic ties.

"You will need to be able to position our national interests to meet the imperatives of Vision 2030. As my representatives in different parts of the world, I expect you to have a sound grasp of our interests," he said.

Ms Mohammed proposed to the President that Kenya introduces a special scheme to dedicate funds for the purchase of Government-owned properties abroad.

She said this would convert rent into mortgage and hence save the country millions of shillings.