Honourable Dr. Mantombazana Edmie Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

My Brothers and Sisters, Colleagues, Ambassadors and High Commissioners

Distinguished Guests,

Fellow Kenyans

Ladies and Gentlemen,

KARIBUNI KENYA.

WELCOME TO KENYA.

1. Forty-five years ago today, the people of Kenya broke free from the oppressive shackles of colonialism and emphatically decided to shape their own collective destiny. They were convinced then, as we are now, that no ethnic, cultural, racial or religious heritage should be exploited in denying any human being his or her inalienable human rights.
   
2. It is propitious that we celebrate Kenyan's forty fifth birthday fast on the heels of the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights celebrated two days ago, which laid down, and I quote "Common Standard ..... to promote respect for these rights and to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance" Article 3 of that historic declaration reminds us that "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person".
   
3. The contestation for these rights was painfully brought to the fore and bitterly tested last January in Kenya, when a vicious post-election orgy of violence gripped our nation following a disputed electoral outcome in December. This unfortunate episode in our hitherto peaceful past, shocked the world and especially us Kenyans. Our smugness disappeared. Today we still struggle with the aftermath of these events. Our psychological scars have only just begun to heal, but the implementation of the institutional and legal reforms required to set the wrongs right, still bedevils our executive, judiciary and legislature. Only yesterday a constitutional amendment bill was withdrawn by the executive, when a rebellious legislature rejected its provisions. (I tell you democracy is alive!). The bill was withdrawn by the executive and will now be resubmitted.
   
4. Yes, we learnt some painful lessons then and we are learning more even now. That reconciliation is harder than you can imagine. We went to the edge, stared at the bottom of the abyss, and stepped back. But we have arisen and with confidence, propelled by prayer and commitment, our gaze is turned to the future.
   
5. On 28th February 2008, from the ashes, a coalition government was formed. The people of Kenya gained some respite from the turbulence that had been created the previous month. The coalition is working very well. H. E. President Mwai Kibaki and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, in particular, are working very well. However our ambitious plans to tame poverty will have to be scaled down because of the looming global recession which we anticipate will have a negative affect on us.
   
6. Although Kenya's recent political and economic history is full of tribulations, some failures and disappointment, the year has also given birth to peace, firmly entrenched healthy productive relationships with South Africa and shown us that the audacity of hope will bear fruit even in the thick of our deepest disappointment.
   
7. On the home front, our international friends including Judge Kreigler of South Africa, helped us obtain peace. Thank you. Kenya's Joint Commission of Cooperation, signed with South Africa in October 2006, has laid down the foundations of a vibrant bilateral relationship with this great country. Examples abound. Eight veterinary medicine students from South Africa are learning their profession in Kenya. 50 Agricultural Extension officers from South Africa brushed up their skills in Kenya last year. We are in the final stages of providing math and science teachers. Two bilateral trade agreements were signed last September after a successful first Kenya/South Africa Trade Fair and Conference. Our Foreign Ministries are talking to each other and cooperating on regional security issues, training and consular policy. The future looks bright. We want to nurture and deepen a strategic partnership - away from competition. That is my calling, that is my task.
   
8. Incredibly, as the year ended, a man whose father was born in Kogelo Kenya, gave the whole world hope when as President elect of the United States of America, and with a simple message - "YES WE CAN", he made us all dream again, that all is possible. We Kenyans even enjoyed a public holiday! As the South African people move towards their own elections next year, we are confident that their elections too will be peaceful and that their aspirations for a better life will be fulfilled.
   
9. Let me conclude by inviting you to join me in raising a toast to the good health and long life of His Excellency President Kgalema Motlanthe of the Republic of South Africa and to the prosperity of the wonderful people of South Africa.

ASANTENI SANA!

THANK YOU!