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China Pledges to Build New Headquarters for Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry
The Chinese government has reportedly pledged to build new headquarters for Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The plan was revealed recently during a ceremony where China donated two VIP buses to the ministry, according to Nation.
Speaking during the function, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb. Macharia Kamau pledged to work with the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian to ensure the project is completed before the end of his tenure.
“We in this ministry have special gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for the generous grant towards the construction of a new ministry headquarters,” Amb. Macharia said.
He added: “I look forward to working with you to ensure the completion of this important project before the end of your tour of duty in Kenya.”
It was not immediately established when the construction of the new headquarters in Nairobi will commence.
The current Foreign Affairs Ministry headquarters at the old Treasury Building located along Harambee Avenue in Nairobi is less spacious.
While handing over the two VIP buses to the ministry, Amb. Zhou termed the donation as a “token of appreciation and friendship”.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the legitimate rights of the People’s Republic of China in the UN and we will never forget that October 1971 — Kenya was firmly with us,” he said.
He was referring to the vote by the UN General Assembly to replace the Republic of China [Taiwan] with the People’s Republic of China as the permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Amb. Macharia said the buses will be used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs members of staff and guests.
“When we organize international meetings, one of the challenges we face is how to move special guests who come and sometimes you want to move them with special transport. These are VVIP buses and we are very happy and very thankful,” he said.