Speaking during celebrations to mark the 22 German Day of Unity, he expressed confidence that elections will also be free and fair.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday urged foreign investors to explore business opportunities in Kenya promising them that elections will be peaceful.
“I urged anyone who wants to invest in the country to do so now for waiting after the elections will be too late as you will be competing with many others for the available opportunities,” he urged, explaining that Kenyans had learnt from the 2008 violence and that the country will never chose the route of violence again.
He said times had changed and aid was no longer an option to grow developing countries but about them engaging in trade relations like wealthy economies.
The premier emphasised the need for Kenya and Germany to continue with the bilateral and mutual understanding to enhance trade and relations between the two countries.
He acknowledged Germany for having been the first country to recognise Kenya’s independence and its lead role in restoring peace after the post election violence.
German Ambassador Margit Hellwig who praised and encouraged continued good relations between Kenya and Germany said it is up to Kenyans to promote peaceful co-existence which is the aspiration of her country.
Citing Germany’s journey to unity, she was positive that Kenya will also be successful in promoting unity and fighting negative ethnicity.
“I urged anyone who wants to invest in the country to do so now for waiting after the elections will be too late as you will be competing with many others for the available opportunities” – Odinga.
She said Kenya like many other countries, has an opportunity to restore stable peace by fighting tribalism. She lauded Kenya for taking steps to reform and improve institutions in search for justice, services, accountability and better livelihoods for Kenyans.
Hellwig condemned the recent terrorist attack at a church on Juja road that left one child dead and others seriously wounded.
She however urged Kenyans to remain resilient to ensure the criminals who intend to incite religious animosity do not succeed.
The ambassador expressed Germany’s interest in investing and working with Kenya. “The launch of this forum and other investment activities Germany businesspeople have undertaken in this country creates more jobs for Kenyans.”
The German Day of Unity was graced by among others Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa and the chairman of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Charles Nyachae.
The German Day of Unity is celebrated annually to honour the unity of Germans in 1990.
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