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Friday, August 10, 2012

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Kenya Visit (Speeches)

Remarks at a Meeting With the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and Civil Society Followed by a Press Availability Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Intercontinental Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
August 4, 2012

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first of all, let me say how pleased I am to be meeting with representatives of the Kenyan Elections Commission and civil society at such an important time in the history of this great country.


Hilary Rodham Clinton with Nelson Mandela during her recent trip to Africa.

I’ve had the opportunity already today in my meetings with the President and the Prime Minister, with the Chief Justice and the Speaker, to discuss the importance of a credible, transparent, free, and fair election process. The Kenyan people have demonstrated a great commitment to their own democracy, most recently with the successful referendum on the new constitution.

But we know that there are challenges, and this is the opportunity to meet those going forward. Not only is this important for the people of Kenya, but the eyes of the world will be on this election. And I have absolute confidence that Kenya has a chance to be a model for other nations, not just here in Africa but around the world.

On the other hand, the unrest that can result from a disputed election has a terrible cost, both in lives lost and in economic impact. The instability that followed the last election cost the Kenyan economy, by most estimates, more than one billion dollars. So it’s essential for government and civil society to work together. And of course, the Elections Commission has a special responsibility to ensure that the votes and aspirations of the people are reflected accurately and fairly.

And so I’m here today to listen and learn what the United States can do to support these very important efforts. We are committed to our partnership. We are proud to be a partner and a friend of Kenya, and we want to continue doing all we can to help this country continue its path forward.

So with that, I’ll take maybe one or two questions.

MODERATOR: The gentleman over here, by the camera.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Yes, sir.

QUESTION: Thank you, Madam Secretary. My name is (inaudible). (Inaudible) Chinese influence? And second question is (inaudible) will you come to terms?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Can I come what?

QUESTION: To terms.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Terms. Come to terms. Well, on the first question, the United States has a long history in Africa, working with countries on behalf of democracy and human rights, on behalf of healthcare and education, on economic development. We have signature programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act, like the PEPFAR program for HIV/AIDS, for the Feed the Future program to improve agricultural output. Our emphasis has always been on supporting the lives of individuals and the democratic aspirations of people. So that is the value of what we try to offer. So what we’re interested in is how to be the best partner and friend. And that’s what I’m doing here in Kenya. We had a series of very comprehensive and constructive meetings today on a full range of issues that are important bilaterally between us, but also regionally and globally.

Of course, what happens in the elections is up to the people of Kenya. They’re the ones who will make the decisions. But we, as a partner and friend, are certainly hoping that this election, which is a complex election – there are many different ballot positions that will all be voted on the same time – goes so smoothly that everyone is so proud the next day because of what has been achieved, and that people who are unsuccessful – remember I’ve been in politics. I have won elections and I have lost elections. And when you lose an election and when your supporters see you lose and election, it’s important that they have to see that the process was fair. And that’s what we hope for here for our friends in Kenya.

MODERATOR: I think Matt had a question.

QUESTION: Yes, I do. Madam Secretary, you know – as you know, the South Sudan and Sudan have come to an agreement on oil (inaudible). I was wondering a) what do you think about? And also B) what would constitute similar success from your visits to Uganda? Would that be – what would that be, (inaudible) in the way of success and also (inaudible) hunt for Joseph Kony? And then again, (inaudible) that kind of success?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I welcome the agreement on oil reached between the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan. This agreement reflects leadership and a new spirit of compromise on both sides. And I particularly praise the courage of the Republic of South Sudan leadership in taking this decision.

As I said in Juba yesterday, the interests of the people of South Sudan were truly at stake. The oil impasse has lasted more than six months. It was time to bring it to a close for the good of the people of South Sudan and their aspirations for a better future amidst the many challenges they face there, a nation that’s only one year and a few days old. And they have to turn to educating their people, providing healthcare, establishing strong democratic institutions.

And South Sudan’s leaders, led by President Salva Kiir, have really risen to the occasion, for which they deserve a great deal of credit. They tabled a bold, comprehensive proposal in the latest round of talks and an agreement was hammered out with the strong assistance of the African Union. And I think it’s to the great benefit of South Sudan and to Sudan.

Regarding your second and third questions, it is a great privilege and pleasure for me to be traveling as I am this week throughout Africa, meeting with a lot of old friends and meeting new people who are committed to the futures of their countries.

Clearly, we are very focused on the international hunt for Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army that has caused so much terrible damage and violence over so many years, and we had very good discussions with the Uganda People’s Defense Force on that. And we also covered a range of issues in my long conversation with President Museveni that we will be following up on.

And similarly here in Kenya, we’ve had very comprehensive discussions on economics, on humanitarian issues, the refugee issues, the very important contributions that Kenyan forces are making to AMISOM, to the work we’re doing in agriculture and so much else. And now I’m looking forward to hearing from the Elections Commission. Thank you all.
Remarks Following a Meeting With Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Judiciary
Nairobi, Kenya
August 4, 2012
I want to thank the Justice for receiving me today. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss with him the progress of the constitutional reform. When the people of Kenya adopted your new constitution, the judiciary was given significant responsibilities, and I am very pleased to hear the progress that is being made. However, I am well aware that there are many issues yet to be decided and many laws to be passed (inaudible).
I discussed with the Chief Justice the upcoming elections next year, which will be so consequential for Kenya. And the United States has pledged to assist the Government and people of Kenya in ensuring that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent, which is the very gift that the people of Kenya gave themselves by passing that new constitution. And we urge that the nation come together and prepare for elections that will be a real model for the entire world.
And again, I thank the Chief Justice for the important role that you and your team are playing. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Remarks at a Meeting With Staff and Families of Embassy Nairobi

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Nairobi, Kenya
August 4, 2012

AMBASSADOR NOLAN: Good afternoon everyone. For those of you whom I haven’t met in my five days now – (laughter) – here in Kenya, my name is Steve Nolan. I’m the charge d’affaires, thanks to the Secretary.


We are absolutely delighted today to have so many representatives of our mission finally welcoming Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, welcome her back to Kenya. I think everybody returns to Kenya. I have returned a few times. So I would like to say, Madam Secretary, Karibu Kenya. Welcome to Kenya.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.

AMBASSADOR NOLAN: Madam Secretary, we are delighted that you’ve chosen to come to Kenya at such an important time in this nation’s history, with national elections coming next March and as Kenya continues to implement its new constitution. This mission is critical and involved in that transformation, and the hard work that they have done is helping this country to progress.

We all take great pride in the partnership – the strong partnership – that has gone on for nearly five decades between the United States and Kenya. And these are the people who are responsible for making it stronger. This is one of the best missions in Africa. It is also one of the largest missions in Africa, over 20 agencies, doubled in size since I was last here.

Your personal interest in Kenya and in our efforts, as a close friend and ally of this country, means a great deal to all of us. We look forward to hearing your message to us today. And to paraphrase the words of Isak Dinesen, I’d like to say that here you are, where you want to be. (Laughter.)
And without any further delay, I now present to you our honored guest, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Well, Ambassador Nolan, thank you very, very much. We’re delighted that you have taken on this responsibility to be the charge. And you bring so much experience as well as a great appreciation for this magnificent country and this incredibly important mission.
I’m also pleased that Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson is here with us, a former ambassador to Kenya. (Applause.) I was kidding him today, he is so popular in Kenya he could run for office – (laughter) – which may turn out to be a good thing. (Laughter.)

Well, I personally am delighted to be back here in Nairobi. As Ambassador Nolan said, for 50 years, we have had a strong partnership between not only our governments but our people. And this large, significant mission is at the center of that partnership and friendship. It’s really the hub of our work in this region. From our efforts to stabilize Somalia to our engagement in the Indian Ocean, it’s a big set of responsibilities, and I am so proud of the way that this mission, with 20 different agencies as part of the United States Government presence here, really steps up time after time.

I can’t come to Nairobi and speak before an Embassy audience without remembering that next week will mark the date that our Embassy here, along with the Embassy in Dar es Salaam were bombed 14 years ago. We have not and will not forget those who were lost and injured that terrible day, and we have not and will not back down from our efforts to combat and defeat violent terrorism and extremism. The response of the Embassy community to that terrible day was extraordinary. We have recovered, rebuilt, and rededicated ourselves and gone on to even more important and lasting work.

I know that for many of you this last year has been a difficult year of transition, but despite the challenges you have continued to work with our partners here to promote democracy and economic growth. We have spent a lot of time today talking about the upcoming elections, the hard work being done to implement the constitution, to reform the courts, reform the police, to really make sure that the promise of the constitution is delivered to the people who overwhelmingly voted for it.

You have supported efforts to fight corruption, preserve the environment, promote trade and tourism. You’re stalwartly in favor of and producing results in the areas of health and education. You’ve helped administer over $350 million in humanitarian assistance, largely food aid, which is part of the nearly $12 billion in humanitarian assistance that the United States has provided the Horn of Africa over the past two years.
Now, to build on that good work and in recognition of the challenges, today I’m announcing an additional $54 million in humanitarian assistance for the Horn. (Applause.) So that will be on top of the 1.2 billion, and that will include 15 million specifically for Kenya. This funding will assist vulnerable populations living in conflict zones or hit by natural disasters, such as flooding or droughts. We’re particularly focused on Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

Now, when an Embassy works as well as this one, it’s because you have a such a strong community. And I especially want to thank the family members of all the U.S. Government employees, Foreign Service, and Civil Service. Your work is so important because your support is so critical. And we acknowledge it and thank you for it.

And I also want to say a special word of thanks to our local staff. Will all the Kenyans here raise your hands, all of you who have been here, the backbone? (Applause.) I frequently say that ambassadors and secretaries come and go, but the local staff – you’re here. You’re the memory bank and the nerve center, and every year you help to train up a new set of Americans. But you keep this enduring relationship going and growing, and we could not do our work without you.

So on behalf of President Obama, who has a very special place in his heart for this country, and myself and the entire team in Washington, thank you. And I especially thank you for the work that went into this visit. It was a packed day of many meetings, many consultations, all of which gave Ambassador Nolan and Ambassador Carson and myself greater insight into how the United States can support the upcoming elections.

These will be critical elections. Because of the violence in 2007, Kenya lost more than a billion dollars in investment. The GDP dropped significantly. And when government leaders ask me to help them do more to bring business and investment to this country, my quick response is then you do your part to make sure this election is free, fair, and transparent and that all Kenyans accept the results, and do your part to speak out against divisiveness, against anything that would undermine the unity of this country. Because ultimately these elections are totally within the control of the Kenyans themselves, but the United States, as your friend and your partner, want to do all we can to make sure that they are successful.

So thank you for your service and for representing the United States so well. And now let me come by and meet you and thank you in person. Thank you all. (Applause.)

7 comments:

  1. Chris,

    Why are publishing IRRELEVANT speeches from ILF? Secretary Clinton is no god and all she stands for is evil. If in doubt please read her thesis.

    And US is only prodding into another OPIUM SESSION full of delusions and childish fantacies. Forget about AGOA and PEPFAR, those are gimmicks.

    If America wants to help us we need GOLD and not useless paper money called DOLLARS.

    ReplyDelete
  2. @Taboo

    I notice with concern that my fellow pensioner is one of the latest converts of the Kumekucha resident doomsday economist.

    Ole mimi and the other Kumekuchans.

    Chris Kumekucha

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kumekucha,

    This is not the time nor the place to rain on the wonderful speeches that were delivered some time back by one of Kenya's many beloved guests from the western hemisphere.

    Swali ni kwamba, why was the guest representative of the Nacirema people claiming that they have had a fifty year polygamous marriage of convenience with Mrs. Taifa Kenya, the daughter of Mama Afrika wa Mashariki and Mzee Jumuhiya wa Kenya, when they have not yet delivered any tangible amount of dowry - lubola or mahari - to their in-laws as required by the law of the land whenever such unions are established?

    The real evidence of a good marriage of convenience is always found in the pudding as well as in the mix of all things within the domestic department or homestead chamber for that matter.

    Kwani, where are the primary schools, secondary schools, technical colleges, universities, hospitals, industries, highways, airports, sea ports and oil, refineries, marine industrial parks in Mombasa and Kisumu, and other research facilities in northern Rift Valley, central Rift Valley and southern Rift Valley, to show for after fifty years of marriage?

    ...one of the largest missions in Africa, over 20 agencies doubled in size...

    Ayeeeeh! 15 million dollars specically for Kenya is all that is being promised after a fifty year marriage!

    Kwani when will the Nacirema people learn to humble themselves for a change and put their dollars worth of efforts - or fifty year old marriage - where their free and brave mouths are for a change?

    On what projects have the millions and billions dollars in aid money been injected into in the last fifty years?

    Where has the money gone? Did it even leave the Nacrima shores?

    Or is it true that every senty-five cents on a dollars granted (donated/given) to Kenya, never gets utilized where it was intended, but always remains in the the tax free banks accounts that belongs to the donor agencies.

    There are those of us, Kenyans, between the ages of five and seventy years who know very well what the few millions dollars that have been granted by the Aga Khan Foundation have done for the our country in the last fifty years or so.

    The existing evidence speaks volumes in form of Aga Khan nursery schools, Aga Khan primary schools, Aga Khan secondary schools, Aga Academies, and Aga Khan hospitals are visible landmarks in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, without forgeting the Aga Khan Univeristy in Kenya et cetera.

    So, where is the equivalent of Nacirema nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, academies, hospitals and universities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and eleshwere in Kenya of 2012?

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  4. Upumbavu na upuuzi wote huyu.

    We have many issues we can raise about this Dr. Joseph Goebbel's PROPAGANDA, i.e. Uncle SUCKER MYTHS for IDIOTS.

    However, to avoid many issues, we only HUMBLY inquire:

    (a) As per 6th August, 2012, the USA owes foreign states, mostly Asian nations, around $ 3.5 TRILLION.

    So, to some, the USA is a DEBTOR. In other words, Americans LIVE BEYOND THEIR MEANS financed by others.

    (b)When it comes to Africa/Kenya, the USA is a CREDITOR. In other words, AMERICANS WHO LIVE BEYOND THEIR MEANS, are CREDITORS to us!

    If these are the facts, can someone with a PhD from the IVY LEAGUE of FOOLS, educate us, how is it that, a nation can be a DEBTOR to some nations, and be a CREDITOR to some other nations?

    As we wait for further education from the Ministry of TRUTH and VIRTUE, staffed by PhD holders from the IVY LEAGUE of FOOLS, we leave to enjoy:

    America:

    http://is.gd/rMdsNS

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  5. There is a foreign aid clause where it is stipulated that grant shall be provided in the amount of a $50 million aid-package to Kenya, including a techinical team on the ground, and all necessary hardware required to complete the project on time.

    While all along, a chunk of the same $50 million aid package get used (wasted by all accounts) on;
    a) exorbitant salary packages,
    b) countless vacations,
    c) regular medical care at a facility of their choice in the USA, or at any of the nearest US military facilities in Germany or Britain,
    d) free tuition for their children at the ISK, RVA, etc,
    e) first class accomodation in the tune of $3,500 to $5,500 monthly rent (for the legion of expatriates) paid out to well connected absentee lardlords (non-citizens who live in the USA, Canada, and Europe) in the posh neighbourhoods of Nairobi and Mombasa,
    f) regular office parties and barbeques,
    g) provision of chuaffer driven huge petro guzzling SUVs,
    h) importation of machinery and other hardware from USA based companies and their affiliates, plus heavy shipping costs in of airfreight,
    i) security, maids (baby-sitters), garden attendants (shamba boys),
    j) inter alia.

    When all is said and done, beggars like us can't afford to be choosers, but very thankful for the generous foreign aid.

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  6. For the last century, Africa lost immense opportunity largely due to unbalanced relationships within the global community that were often predatory and abusive ... new ways of perpetuating the old order have emerged in subtle ways that are always disguised in the form of defence of humans rights, free speech and international justice... - Paul Kagame.

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  7. For the last century, Africa lost immense opportunity largely due to unbalanced relationships within the global community that were often predatory and abusive ... new ways of perpetuating the old order have emerged in subtle ways that are always disguised in the form of defence of humans rights, free speech and international justice... - Paul Kagame.

    8/10/12 10:17 PM

    xxx

    Is that POSTER BOY Kagame?

    Was he not financed by the Uncle SUCKER via Uganda?

    Wasn't those Ugandan loans meant for Kagame converted into the PUBLIC DEBT/MISERY to be paid FROM THE UGANDAN OIL PROCEEDS?

    Wasn't the same Kagame who accepted the GENOCIDE loans as Rwandese people's debts in Sweden?

    Was it the same Kagame who sent Claude Dusaidi amd Charles Muligande to New York and Washington to stop the UN MILITARY intervention which would have protected the Rwandese people from GENOCIDE?

    Aha! We are aware that, his SPONSORS are now after his NECK. Now, he must become an African. Sorry brother, the African Teachers know the truth!

    Oh! You wretches, you can only form impious pacts and nefarious associations!

    Aha! You serpents, you make administration of states SECRET and MYSTERIOUS. As a result, using FORCE and FRAUD, you make it impossible for the multitude to reform these administrations!

    Oh! you hypocrites! you reduce administration of common affairs into a regular system of MAINTENANCE of DISORDER, perpetual CONFUSION and CHILDHOOD!

    Oh! Tyrants! You perfect the SCIENCE OF OPPRESSION so as to support a FALSE EQUILIBRIUM. You have reduced the art of governing into an art of SUBJECTING the MANY to the FEW!

    Oh! You wretches, calling yourself president and ministers, you sport with the LIVES and FORTUNES of the people!

    Oh! Calling yourself IVY LEAGUE of FOOLS, you only teach:

    (a) how to ENFEEBLE nations!

    Anyway, we know enough history to assert with certainty that, a time is coming when this colossus of power will crush and crumble under its own mass.

    While waiting for further education on the first query by those with PhD's in HOW TO ENFEEBLE NATIONS, we retreat to enjoy:

    we no waaaant
    to hear no more about your great long John Silver
    dat only help to COLONIALIZE our MIND,

    Bring back the money with the sign of the Lion money
    Lion dollars we want to see

    Take back the money with the sign of the dragon money
    I am so tired to hear the sufferes dem a bawll

    Bring back the money with the sign of the Lion money
    The Lion dollars can't satisfy good wants and needs

    http://is.gd/VaPC8v

    ReplyDelete

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