Israel Ambassador to Kenya Noah Gal Gendler and his wife Liron Gal Gendler have been installed as Pokot community elders by the community elders setting the pace for a strong partnership with the West Pokot County government.
Gal Gendler, who also represents his country in Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles and Malawi was in the County to discuss development in agriculture, health, agriculture, dairy technology and the water sector.
They were dressed in traditional regalia during the ceremony at the Governor’s residence in Kapenguria. The elders blessed the ambassador and his wife at the ceremony which local leaders including West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo attended. The two joined traditional dancers who had came to welcome them in the County.
Speaking after the installation, the ambassador promised to support the community and the country in general in improving the people’s lives. “I have a special attachment to the Pokot community. I consider it my second home because of the many years I spent here with my family, and the many friends I can still call by name,” he said.
The ambassador called for the empowerment of youths by both national and County governments, noting that the future of any country lies within its young generation.
Governor John Lonyangapuo said Israel will closely working with Kenya to formulate a partnership deal that will see the County and Israel companies collaborate in many aspects. “It was a was great privilege and honour to receive the Israeli envoy,” he said.
He said the partnership will also build the capacity of West Pokot residents to grow their entrepreneurial skills from small enterprises into market leading industries able to compete globally.
He said that they will explore possibilities with leading Israeli water companies, and mobilizing resources to undertake projects to ensure that provision of clean and safe drinking water, and irrigation water to West Pokot residents is done in the shortest time possible.
Lonyangapuo, who visited Israel in March, added that they will expand the partnership between Kenya and Israel in the development of the health sector.