Kenya and the United Kingdom will partner in the fight against corruption and attainment of the Big Four Agenda set out by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Speaking during a joint press conference at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta and UK Prime Minister Theresa May said the partnership between the two countries is strong and there will be more cooperation going forward. Theresa May, who was received by President Kenyatta at State House on Thursday, is in the country on a state visit and the two leaders held bilateral talks addressing a range of issues including trade and security.
President Kenyatta said the fight against graft will not cease, and revealed that a framework on the return of assets from the proceedings of corruption has been agreed. “Fighting corruption is an important aspect of my legacy programme together with the unity of the country and the attainment of the Big Four centred around investment housing, manufacturing, food security and universal health,” said President Kenyatta. He said depriving people of the proceeds of the crimes is one major detriment against the vice, “We are determined to make it painfully unrewarding and expensive to get involved in corruption in Kenya….there is no turning back in Kenya on this agenda.”
Theresa May lauded the fight against graft and affirmed the UK’s support, “I welcome the commitment to drive the vice from this country and stand with you in this fight,” she said, citing the agreement signed to ensure proceeds of corruption will be given back to Kenya to be spent for the benefit of Kenyans. She said the UK will also support the President’s Big Four Agenda, and that they’ll align their expertise, investment and aid towards that vision.
May added that the government has her full support in the building bridges initiative, brought to light after the famous handshake between President Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. “The UK stands ready to support the inclusive building bridges process as you work to further strengthen your democracy and institutions,” she said.
The leaders also agreed a security compact that led to increased support from Britain with equipment to enhance border and aviation security, capacity building and information sharing between the countries.
