The out-going Kenyan Ambassador to Rwanda, Alex Keter, Monday highlighted what he considers to have been some of the many achievements during the time he was accredited to Kigali Keter told reporters shortly after his farewell to President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village that “the number one” achievement was that Rwanda has been fully integrated into the now five-nation East African Community (EAC) bloc. “We were able to bring Rwanda onboard as a member of the East African Community,” he said. Rwanda became member to the EAC in 2007. “Bilaterally, there were so many things that we did. Investment from Kenya to Rwanda increased and we (Kenya) have so many investors that have established there presence here in Kigali.” Amongst these, Keter singled out Kenya’s largest retail chain – Nakumatt Supermarket, Fina Bank, and most recently, Kenya Commercial Bank as some of the Kenyan-based investments. Last August, Nakumatt, in its East Africa expansion plan, opened its first $ 3 US million 24-hour outlet in Kigali, a move that increased bilateral trade between the two countries. “This is good for this region,” he underlined, further adding that the two countries have also been able to achieve much in sharing “experiences and knowledge.” “We have so many Rwandans who have been offered scholarships. We encourage Rwandans to go to Kenya to study and improve their knowledge and skills,” he said, adding that Rwanda and Kenya have also cooperated in the area of agriculture. “There has been tremendous transformation in this country,” Keter said. The envoy stated that during Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki’s State visit last November, an agreement “on how to engage Kenya and Rwanda so that they can benefit from one another” was also highlighted. “There are teachers who were here - fifty of them, in the initial lot. Some have completed their contracts and some have remained and are being engaged,” Keter said, pointing out that Kenyan teachers could come and teach in Rwanda during their holidays without interfering with their normal programs. “That one can be arranged. We have a surplus and they are willing to come. The two governments can continue the dialogue further,” he said, and underlined that cooperation also went into other areas including Defence and Police matters. During Kibaki’s visit, it was also reported that Rwanda would be incorporated in the Joint Ministerial Committee working on the Kenya-Uganda Railway project. This team will explore ways of extending the railway line to Kigali. Ends
