Global conversations
Every day in Kenya the first thing I do after my breakfast is read the newspapers. And in the evening, after my dinner, I watch the news on TV. One of Kenya’s great resources is its vibrant print and broadcast media. They provide a window on all things Kenya. On World Press Freedom Day I would like to pay tribute and express support for the continuing freedom of the Kenyan … Read more »Kenya: World Press Freedom Day
I recently handed over 6 vehicles donated by the British Government to the Kenyan Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU). Internal Security Minister Saitoti was there to “receive” the vehicles as were a number of police colleagues, led by the Police Commissioner. Counter-terrorism is an important area of cooperation between the UK and Kenya; for obvious reasons. The first responsibility of any Government is to provide security for its citizens. Terrorists threaten … Read more »Counter-terrorism Important for both the UK and Kenya
Two weeks ago the British Foreign Secretary came to visit. He spent a day in Somalia (about which the new British Ambassador to Somalia has blogged) and a day in Kenya. Foreign Secretaries are busy people. So the fact that he was able to travel, right in the midst of the complex negotiations on a Security Council resolution in New York about the situation in Syria, says a great deal … Read more »Kenya: William Hague’s Visit
I’ve recently taken up jigsaw puzzles. In the last few years we’ve had friends to stay over Christmas and we’ve got into the habit of working together on a huge puzzle, usually a reproduction of a well-know picture. We always set about it the same way. First we look at the picture on the box of the jigsaw, to see what we are trying to make. Then we sift through … Read more »Kenya: Constructing the Constitutional Jigsaw
My first few weeks in Kenya have given me the opportunity to observe and reflect on the political process here. Two weeks ago I went to Kisii to observe the Kitutu-Masaba by-election . I went formally as an “international observer” and it was clear from many I spoke to that they welcomed the interest shown by the international community. I also had a strong personal interest – after only a … Read more »Early Impressions of Kenyan Democracy
I’ve just completed my first few weeks in Nairobi as UK High Commissioner; and they’ve been a whirlwind. I’m here for a short spell for 6-8 months. This is an unusual arrangement. But for various reasons we have a longer gap than usual between successive High Commissioners. I have some time available before I go on to another ambassadorial posting. And we felt that the relationship between the UK and … Read more »New High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Peter Tibber’s priorities