H.E. Mr. Michael Mubea Kamau:

I thank the Chair and honourable members. It is a great joy to be here this afternoon to represent my government with this delegation from Kenya. Ireland is an important partner of Kenya. Its support for our nation pre-dates the formal establishment of diplomatic relations. Ireland invested heavily in Kenya, especially in education, and this co-operation has continued to date. Ireland supported us in the Africa Climate Summit, which was a huge summit that took place in Nairobi and Ireland was represented by none other than the Irish Minister for the environment. This morning I had lunch with the Department of Foreign Affairs and we were still reviewing our previous relationship. The members of the Kenyan Parliament who are present came here to demonstrate how important this country is to Kenya. Kenya has also contributed greatly to the development of this nation. As we speak, more than 1,000 Kenyans are working in tech companies here and more than 1,000 students are studying here at undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. In other words, our relationship is mutual and we intend to continue on that trajectory.

I thank the Chair. As the Irish love to say, thanks a million. Go raibh maith agat.