Today Kenya marks 50 years of independence. On this day, in 1963, Kenya emerged from the fangs of colonialism to build a strong and democratic nation. Through the 50-year journey, the country has managed to live in harmony with its neighbours and improved the livelihoods of its citizens.  

The Kenyan High Commissioner to Rwanda, John Mwangemi, spoke to The  New Time’s Collins Mwai on the achievements Kenya has made in the half century and regional integration. 

How is the independence mood back in Kenya?

The independence mood is upbeat. There is  a lot of excitement in anticipation of the 50th anniversary celebrations. 

What is the general feeling about the future as the country celebrates 50 years of independence?

People are looking at the future with optimism. We have a new government, the first after the promulgation of the new constitution. After a slow start following the March elections, the government is now up and running. We are seeing major projects being launched like the standard gauge railway set to link Mombasa, Kampala, Kigali and Juba, the new airport, and launch of Women and Youth Funds.  Kenya is on the move.

Fifty years down the road, how much has been achieved in terms of economic development and how can this benefit the East African Community?

There has been massive transformation of the Kenyan economic landscape. From very humble beginnings at independence, we now have a modern economy. Our education sector is very vibrant, we have made health services accessible to  all, our agriculture sector continues  to improve and  our infrastructure is the best in the region. 

Kenya is also the largest economy in EAC and a regional financial and capital markets hub. We also have a very progressive and liberal constitution. 

All the infrastructure developments we have embarked on are key to the growth of the entire region.

How do you find the bilateral relations between Rwanda and Kenya?

We enjoy very warm and cordial relations with Rwanda. We have joint cooperation agreements in many sectors under the joint permanent cooperation framework. Both Rwanda and Kenya have been at the forefront of the EAC integration. We have no work permit requirements for our nationals and the recent protocol allowing use of identity cards for travel beginning January 2014, the single customs and single tourist visa are all testimony of great relations

How do you rate the status of investments between the two countries?  

Kenyan private capital investment is the largest by an African country in Rwanda. We have major investments in this country; in banking, retail, manufacturing, education, construction, financial services, among others. And more Kenyan companies are gearing to enter the Rwandan market. 

On Rwandan investments in Kenya, we have seen great interest by Rwandan companies to invest in our real estate and financial sectors. The Bank of Kigali has taken the lead in opening up a representation office in Nairobi. 

What is your take on the move by Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda to have citizens of the three countries move across borders with identity cards in place of passports beginning January next year?

This is the best Christmas present to the nationals of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This initiative will accelerate trade and investments across our countries. Free movement of people, goods and capital is a key ingredient for economic prosperity. 

Which challenges have you encountered in the region and how do you plan to address them?

We have encountered security challenges, the most recent being the Westgate mall terrorist attack. Kenya has been at the forefront of fighting terrorism in the region, especially the terrorist threat by Al Shabaab group. The African force AMISOM (African Mission in Somalia) is one of the greatest examples of cooperation by the States in the region to fight lawlessness. We are in constant dialogue with all our EAC member countries and we discuss all issues concerning our relationship as a region.