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Kenya donates Kshs 82 million to assist Japanese quake victims

The Government of Kenya today donated one million U.S. dollars, the equivalent of Kshs 82 million, to assist victims of the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan in March this year.

Presenting the donation at Harambee House Nairobi, President Kibaki assured the Government of Japan of Kenya’s full support in addressing the devastation caused by the earthquake.

“As you continue to heal from this tragedy of almost unimaginable severity, we pray to the almighty God to grant comfort and courage to the bereaved families and the entire nation in overcoming the great pain and loss,” President Kibaki said.

At the bilateral level, President Kibaki said Japan has been a very good friend of Kenya since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1963 and a leading development partner.

In this regard, the Head of State noted that Japan has assisted in many projects that have played a crucial role in Kenya’s development.

Said President Kibaki: “On behalf of my Government, I wish to sincerely thank the Government of Japan for the quality financial and technical support it has continued to extend in support of our economic agenda.”

In keeping with the close partnership between the two countries, President Kibaki appreciated the fact that Kenya is the largest recipient of Japanese Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) in Africa.

The President also observed that Nairobi hosts one of the largest Japanese communities on the continent and is the Regional Headquarters for all of Japan's major Agencies as well as its largest trading houses.

President Kibaki once again expressed his personal and Kenyans’ sincere condolences and sympathies to the Government, families of the victims and the entire Japanese people following the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that hit their country.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Japanese Government, Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Toshihisa Takata thanked the Government and the people of Kenya for their expression of solidarity during this time when Japan is passing through difficult circumstances.

Ambassador Takata said the donation will go a long way in assisting those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in his country. He further expressed confidence that with support from international partners and resilience of the Japanese people, the country will recover from the challenging circumstances.

Speaking during the occasion, the Minister for Internal Security and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Prof. George Saitoti said Japan occupies a special place in Kenya’s diplomatic relations.

In this regard, Prof. Saitoti assured that Kenya will continue working together with the Government of Japan in addressing the challenges resulting from the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Present during the occasion were Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi, Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura and Acting Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Amb. Patrick Wamoto among others.