A German foundation championing governance and the rule of law celebrated 50 years since its inception into the country in the year 1973.
The organization dubbed Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) has overseen dynamics in the political field including the introduction of multiparty and the 2010 constitution change.
Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau said the government looks forward to increasing bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany.
“Kenya is keen on stronger co-operations around skilled workers accessing German employment and so it is important to recognize areas where we can work together,” Wanjau said.
The secretary was speaking during the KAS at 50 celebrations held in Nairobi.
In attendance were KAS Kenya country director Annette Schwendner, KAS Vice chairman Hermann Grohe, and Deputy Ambassador Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Thomas Wimmer among others.
“I would like to thank you for the valuable contribution over the years towards the promotion of governance, the rule of law and social market economy in deed we look forward to continued cooperation in the future,” she added.
KAS Kenya Country Director Annette Schwendner expressed the foundation's commitment to championing democracy in Kenya.
As KAS marks 50 years of existence, she reiterated the need to constantly create awareness of democracy and governance.
“KAS is here to partner with Kenyans in furthering their own development by sharing experiences and ideas. Key among these is good governance, vibrant democracy among others,” Schwendner said.
On his part, Vice Chair Herman Grohe thanked the country for running peaceful general polls in 2022.
Grohe said it's important for the country to conduct civic education that will teach Kenyans the importance of democracy.
"I want to congratulate this country for the well-organized and peaceful elections in the last year that showed a clear signal of the democracy structures," Grohe said.
He recalled the tragic 2007 post-election violence which he said affected several sectors of the country.
This as he mentioned the role played by the foundation during the 2022 August elections.
"We trained political party agents, observers and most people especially the youth said they wanted to overcome tribal lines during that period," he added.
Thomas Wimmer lauded the foundation for its role in spearheading democracy in the country.
Wimmer expressed his satisfaction with the contribution of the foundation for 50 years.
"We are the longest-standing partner and friend of Kenya. The good relations we have between Kenya and Germany encompass excellent political relations," he said.
The bilateral relations between Kenya and German have upscaled in the recent few days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the country.
Chancellor Scholz and President William Ruto agreed to establish a twinning institutions framework that will pair Kenya's TVET colleges with those in Germany.
"What we seek is a synergy to enrich learning and grow the economy from the bottom up, Germany has agreed to enhance Hustler Fund to increase affordable and easy access," Ruto said.
Scholz is in the country for a state visit. He makes a return to Africa for a three-day trip that will see him visit Ethiopia and Kenya.
Scholz who is accompanied by various dignitaries has also been scheduled to visit the geothermal power plant in Naivasha.