First Lady Margaret Kenyatta last evening said the century-long relationship between Kenya and Ireland is based on generosity, kindness, service, mutual respect and appreciation.
She said the enduring co-operation between the two nations is further strengthened by common experiences of triumph over adversity as former colonies and shared values and ideals of freedom, autonomy and self-determination.
“We also have in common great cultural histories, in the arts and music; an outward facing and embracing curiosity, as well as a similar commitment to sport," said the First Lady.
The First Lady was the Chief Guest during celebrations to mark 100 years of Kenya-Irish co-operation held at the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi.
She said the milestones in diplomacy between Kenya and Ireland were the natural consequence of the strong, people-to-people interactions the two nations have experienced over time.
“Through the course of Kenya’s history we have hosted Irish Missionaries, NGO workers, businesses, and individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of our country and the welfare of our people."
Irish missionaries were among the first nationals from Ireland to set foot in Kenya where they left their footprints in educational and health institutions.
Many Kenyans, said the First Lady, have also worked and lived in Ireland over the years where they have contributed their cultural flair and entrepreneurial know how.
“They have left their enduring mark on the social and economic fabric of Ireland," added the First Lady.
She said that as the relationship between the two unique countries continues to grow, it is necessary to document the journeys of that evolution so that the youth can appreciate what binds the two nations together.
“I am therefore grateful to the Irish Embassy for convening today’s gathering as an opportunity to reflect on the roots of our relationship," said the First Lady during the ceremony whose theme and importance were amplified through and exhibition that traced the mutual history of the two countries.
The First Lady expressed optimism and confidence that the people of Kenya and Ireland will, in another 100 years , celebrate the profound social, economic and political progress as the people of the two nations continue to interact and forge stronger partnerships.
The First Lady singled out for praise one Irish nun-sister Anthony- from the Little Sisters of the Poor in Nairobi who has spent nearly 25 years serving in Africa, with several of those years being spent in Kenya
“Sister Anthony’s service to the elderly—marked by patience, commitment, humility, self-sacrifice and joy is a good representation of Irish engagement in Kenya," said the First Lady who recently attended a ceremony to commemorate 50 year’s of Sister Anthony’s charity work in Africa.
Kenya opened its Embassy in Dublin in 2007 whereas the Irish Embassy in Kenya was re-opened in 2014.
The ceremony was attended by among others the Cabinet Secretary for Environment Prof. Judi Wakhungu, the Irish Minister for Diaspora and International Development, Mr Joe McHugh, the Irish Ambassador to Kenya Mr Vincent O’Neill and the Chairman of Irish Society in Kenya Mr Jack O’ Regan.