the taifa e-bulletin - kenya high commissionkenya.org.za/docs/the_taifa_e_bulletin_july_to_...

THE TAIFA E-BULLETIN

A BIANNUAL E-BULLETIN OF THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSION IN PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, July – December 2015

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A BIANNUAL E-BULLETIN OF

THE KENYA HIGH COMMISSION FOR YEAR 2015/2016



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CONTENT

Forward by the High Commissioner…………………………………..……………………………………………………..……….3

Kenya-South Africa Bilateral Relations……………………………………………………………………………………………….4

Kenya-Swaziland Bilateral Relations…………………………….………………………………………………………….……….12

Kenya-Lesotho Bilateral Relations…………………………….…………………………………………………………….……….14

Trade and Investment Promotion……………………………………………………………………………….……………………15

Engagements with the Kenyan Diaspora………………………………………………………………………………………….18

Mission’s Activities……………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….23

Study Tours by Kenyan Delegations…………………………………………………………………………..…………………….24

Pictorial…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….26

Feedback……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….27



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Ambassador Jean N. Kamau

High Commissioner

Editorial Team

Chair : Amb. Lemaroon

Kaanto

Members : Martin Owuor

: Edward Mwangi

Secretary : Esther Magiti

FORWARD BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

It is with great pleasure that I present this second issue of Taifa E-Bulletin published by Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. The publication is the second since I reported to the Mission as High Commissioner in March 2015. Since then I have had the privilege of presenting my letters of credence to both President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa and King Mswati II of the Kingdom of Swaziland. The period between July and December 2015, has witnessed many positive activities in promotion and deepening of Kenya–South Africa bilateral relations such as hosting of the Kenya–South Africa Immigration Review Meeting in August 2015 in Nairobi. As well as the Kenya–South Africa Senior Officials Meeting in November 2015 in Pretoria. On the economic diplomacy front, the Mission organised a successful Kenya Trade Investment Summit in September 2015 in Johannesburg as well as Kenya Diaspora Investment Conference in November 2015 in Cape Town. At the multilateral level, the Mission hosted H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta when he attended the Forum on China –Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in December 2015 in Johannesburg. On sports, Kenya National Women Soccer team, the Harambee Starlets came second during the Olympic qualifier match in Johannesburg on 18

th July 2015, while the Kenya Rugby Sevens

qualified for the Cup quarter-finals during the match in Cape Town on 12

th December 2015.

Having finished the year 2015 on a high note, it is the expectation of my staff and I that in 2016, the Mission shall build on the achievements of 2015 to scale the height in promoting Kenya diplomatic and economic relations with the countries of accreditations whilst simultaneously engaging Kenya diaspora as per the Kenya Diaspora Policy. It is my sincere hope that a strong partnership between the Mission and other stakeholders shall greatly contribute to enabling Government of Kenya deliver on its ambition and aspirations for the people of Kenya. I wish you all, a pleasant reading of the Taifa E-Bulletin. Amb. Jean N. Kamau HIGH COMMISSIONER



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KENYA-SOUTH AFRICA BILATERAL RELATIONS

KENYA –SOUTH AFRICA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MEET TO REVIEW BILATERAL IMMIGRATION

REGIME IN HELD ON 4TH -5TH AUGUST 2015 IN NAIROBI

After bilateral meeting between Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Hon. Amb. Amina Mohamed and her South African Counterpart Hon. Maite Mashabane on 11th June

2015 at the side-lines of the Africa Union meeting in Johannesburg where they agreed on the need

to review bilateral immigration regime.

The South Africa Government delegation led by Deputy Director at the Department of Home Affairs

Mr. Jackson McKay met with Kenya Government officials led by Director of Immigration Services

Maj-Gen. (Rtd) Dr. Gordon Kihalangwa where upon they discussed the current bilateral immigration

practice between Kenya and South Africa and agreed on the need to make it easy for Kenya

nationals to secure visa for South Africa.

(Above) Mr. McKay exchanging signed meeting resolution with Maj-Gen. (Rtd) Dr. Kihalangwa

The two days meeting ended on 5th August 2015 and the two countries signed a resolution with an

undertaking with included amongst others that; Kenya students shall be granted study permit for the

full duration of their study; frequent travellers, business persons and academia shall be given three

years multiple entry visa, visa administration fees would be reduced from US$69 to US$ 47 and

tourist visa will be processed within five (5) days. Similarly, officials from Kenya Department of

Immigration Services and South Africa Department of Home Affairs agreed to be meeting annually

with next meeting scheduled for 2016 in Pretoria. There shall also be cooperation in combating

human trafficking, illegal immigration and sharing of information.



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KENYA –SOUTH AFRICA SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING ON 11TH NOVEMBER 2015 IN PRETORIA

The delegation from the two countries agreed on the need to fasten the pending issues in

anticipation of inaugural session of Kenya –South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation in early

2016. Kenya delegation was led by Amb. B.H.O. Ogutu, Political and Diplomatic Secretary at Ministry

of Foreign Affairs and International Trade while South Africa was led by Amb. J. Matjila, Director –

General at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.



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H.E. AMB. JEAN KAMAU PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE TO H.E. JACOB ZUMA, PRESIDENT OF

THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, ON 11TH AUGUST 2015

(Above and Below) Amb. Jean Njeri Kamau presents her Letters of Credence to H.E. Jacob Zuma, President of

the Republic of South Africa

In her statement, Amb. Jean Kamau expressed her desire to maintain and strengthen the relation

between the two countries.



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KENYA ATTENDS A MEETING AT MAROPENG, WORLD HERITAGE SITE ON 24TH SEPTEMBER 2015

Amb. Lemarron Kaanto, the Deputy High Commissioner represented the High Commission during the

Gauteng Premier’s meeting held at the Maropeng World Heritage Site, on the occasion of the

Republic of South Africa’s Heritage Day on 24th September 2015.

The event showcased South Africa’s recent discovery of Homo naledi and the need for the world to

appreciate this important heritage. Kenya was specially appreciated following her leadership in

discoveries of human fossils in the continent and the globe. Malawi, United States of America,

France and United Kingdom attended the occasion. Kenya represented African countries.

Hon David Makhura, the Premier of Gauteng noted that the Province has identified Kenya as one of

the destinations to be explored for investments opportunities. A follow up between the Premier and

the High Commission will be held at end of November to explore this further.

Professor Lee Berger introduced the guests to the Homo naledi fossil and handed over casts of the

elements of Homo naledi. On emphasising the findings of Homo naledi by South Africa, emphasis

was placed on the need for the cooperation between Kenya and South Africa.

The province had earmarked the World Heritage Site to host the Heritage day annually as a way to

promote the country’s rich heritage on the continent, positioning it as the cradle of mankind. In

marking the heritage day, a cast of Homo naledi was presented to the Kenya High Commission, as a

show of partnership and need for closer collaboration between Kenya and South Africa. The cast will

based in the National Museums of Kenya.

The Cradle of Humankind was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 2 December 1999. Since then this unique area not

far from Johannesburg and spanning some 50 000 hectares has yielded some of the most incredible

global fossil finds of extinct fauna, particularly fossils of ancient human ancestors dating as far back

as more than 3 million years before present. ‘ The site boasts around 15 fossil sites which are indeed

sites of outstanding universal value because of the wealth of significant hominin fossils that have

been unearthed at these sites including Mrs Ples, Little Foot, Taung Child skull and the recently



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described Australopithecus sediba, revealed to the world in April 2010. This fossil has been dated at

an astoundingly precise 1.97 million years before present and therefore offers an incredible window

into our distant past and how we have evolved as a species.

KENYA PARTICIPATION AT FORUM ON CHINA –AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC) SUMMIT IN

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

The Second Forum on China –Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit was held on 3rd to 5th December

2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meetings were held at Senior Officials level, Ministerial level

and Heads of states and Governments Summit. The meeting was attended by 53 Head of States and

Governments from Africa and President of China Xi Jinping and his delegation were in attendance.

President of Kenya H.E Uhuru Kenyatta attended the Summit accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries

Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Hon. James Macharia,

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure.

(Above) During the Summit, the President had a bilateral meeting with the President of China where they

discussed the need to broaden and deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.



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(Above) President Uhuru Kenyatta shaking hands with President Xi Jinping of China at a bilateral meeting on

the side-lines of FOCAC

(Above) Delegation from Kenya and China at side line bilateral meeting organised at Sandton Convention

Centre.



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The President also met representatives from the China Communications Construction Company, ZTE

and Huawei where they discussed improvement of business environment for those Chinese

companies doing business in Kenya.

(Above) The President meeting representatives from the China Communications Construction Company which is

building the standard gauge railway line in Kenya

(Above) Holding talks with Mr. Shi Lirong, CEO and Executive Director of ZTE Company on the sidelines of the

Johannesburg Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).



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KENYA HIGH COMMISSION IN PRETORIA PARTICIPATES IN THE ANNUAL DIPLOMATIC FUN FAIR ON

31ST OCTOBER 2015

The Diplomatic Fair is organized by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

(DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa for all Diplomatic Missions to provide the public with

information about their countries. The theme of the 2015 Diplomatic Fair was ‘Working together to

build a better future, a better Africa and a better world’.

The Mission had a stand where Kenyan tea, cuisine, culture and tourism sector were showcased. The

Kenyan stand attracted many visitors who tasted the Kenyan delicacies and bought curios made in

Kenya.

(Above) Amb. Jean Kamau, Kenya High Commissioner to South Africa at the Kenya stand during the Annual

Diplomatic Fun Fair held on 31st

October 2015 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

(Left) Amb. N N Losi-Tutu, Chief of State Protocol-Deputy Director

General, Department of International Relations and Cooperation

of the Republic of South Africa visited the Kenya stand during the

Annual Diplomatic Fun Fair held on 31st October 2015 at the

Union Buildings in Pretoria.



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KENYA-SWAZILAND BILATERAL RELATIONS

H.E. AMB. JEAN KAMAU PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE TO KING MSWATI III OF THE KINGDOM

OF SWAZILAND

(Above) H.E Amb. Jean Kamau presenting letters of credence to King Mswati III

In the afternoon of 9th July 2015, the High Commissioner presented her letters of credence to His

Majesty King Mswati III at the Lozitha Royal Palace, Swaziland. The High Commissioner in her speech

assured the King that Kenya is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom of

Swaziland and she would need support from both His Majesty and officials from his Government to

achieve the target.

The King in remarks welcomed the new High Commissioner, assured her of his support in her

endeavours to strengthen bilateral relations.

His Majesty also informed that he was looking forward to the state visit to Kenya set for 10th -13th

August 2015 to meet His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta, and to see the wildebeest migration

thereafter. He then delved into the Kingdom’s economic blue print of Vision 2022 aimed at making

the Kingdom a high income country and that they were planning to revive Royal Swazi Airways since

they have completed new airport named King Mswati III International Airport.



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H.E Amb. Jean Kamau chatting with King Mswati III at the Royal Palace Ballroom after presenting letters of

credence.

To realize Vision 2022, the King reiterated that they have embarked on massive infrastructure

development program through road development, increased energy production through clean

energy programs and establishment of innovation centres within the Kingdom. The delegation

witnessed the impressive road infrastructure program that the Kingdom has achieved so far.

The King also requested that trade partnership which the Kingdom used to enjoy with Kenya be

revived especially Kenya import of coal from Swaziland whilst exporting cement to the Kingdom, as

well as military cooperation.



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KENYA-LESOTHO BILATERAL RELATIONS

MEETING BETWEEN H.E. AMB. JEAN KAMAU AND HON. MATHIBELI MOKHOTHU, MINISTER FOR

SPORTS AND RECREATION OF THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO ON 13TH OCTOBER 2015 AT THE

CHANCERY IN PRETORIA

(Above) Amb. Jean N. Kamau, Kenya High Commissioner to South Africa with Hon. Mathibeli Mokhothu,

Minister for Sports and Recreation of the Kingdom of Lesotho (Left). The Minister was accompanied by H.E.

Eveline Malejaka Letooane, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho to South Africa (Far Left).

On 13th October 2015, H.E. Amb. Jean Kamau had a meeting with the delegation from the Kingdom

of Lesotho led by Hon. Mathibeli Mokhothu, Minister for Sports and Recreation accompanied by

H.E.Evaline Malejaka Letooane, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho to South Africa, Mrs

Puisano Qhobela –Ts’osane Director of Sports and Recreation at the Lesotho Ministry of Sports and

Recreation and President of Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission.

During the deliberation, Hon. Minister informed that officers from his office had visited Kenya to

benchmark on the Women Enterprise Fund and Youth Development Fund which is are all aimed at

empowering Women and Youth.

Similarly, the Hon. Minister informed that Kingdom of Lesotho is particularly keen on cooperating

with Government of Kenya in long distance marathon in terms of sharing of training facilities in high

altitude areas, and participation in marathon organised in the two countries by athletes from the

two friendly states.

The High Commissioner welcomed cooperation in sports between the two countries and agreed to

facilitate a technical team from Lesotho Ministry of Sports and Recreation to visit Kenya to meet

their counterparts and develop a framework for cooperation to include areas such as sports

medicine, anti –doping measures and establishment of high performance centres.



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TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION

KENYA TRADE AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT AT SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE IN

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA FROM 4TH TO 5TH SEPTEMBER 2015

The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria organized a two day Kenya Trade and Investment Summit at

the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg South Africa, on 4th to 5th September 2015. The

event was a partnership between the Mission and Mail and Guardian Africa.

(Above) Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed delivering the Key Note Address

The key objective of the Summit was to create an understanding of doing business in Kenya, to

strengthen business to business contracts and increase capital inflows in specific sectors critical for

Kenya’s economic development. The summit created an opportunity for the two countries to

engage and enhance the relationship among stakeholders in the trade and investment sectors. The

Summit attracted over 184 participants from government ministries, departments and agencies,

private sector institutions and private trade and investment sector and stakeholders from Kenya and

South Africa.

The Summit entailed discussions in the main plenary and in breakaway sessions focusing on specific

sectors critical for Kenya’s economic development. Discussions on Kenya’s Investment Climate and

Framework for Foreign Direct Investments, and Financing mechanism and tax matters were done in

the main open plenary. Sectors discussed in breakaway sessions were Infrastructure, Agribusiness &

Manufacturing, and ICT Innovations in Finance, Retail and Government, Investment in Tourism and

Entertainment, and Mining.



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(Above) HE Amb. Jean Kamau and KNCCI Chairman during the Signing the KNCCI/SACCI MoU.

One of the outcomes of the Trade and Investment summit 2015 was the launch of the Kenya/South

Africa Joint Business Council. This was achieved through the signing of a MoU between the Kenya

National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the South Africa Chamber of Commerce

and Industry (SACCI). The MoU is intended to facilitate collaboration between the two chambers in

matters of common interest and to establish the working arrangements necessary for

implementation.

THE KENYA DIASPORA INVESTMENT CONFERENCE AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

CENTRE IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, FROM 21ST TO 22ND NOVEMBER 2015

The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria organized a two day Kenya Diaspora Investment Conference

dubbed, “Investment, Development and Innovation: Opportunities for Diaspora” at Cape Town

International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, from 21st to 22nd November 2015. The

Conference was a partnership between the Kenya High Commission and various corporate sponsors

and individuals namely: Liberty Group Ltd; Old Mutual Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd; National Bank of

Kenya; Kenya Commercial Bank; Multichoice; Pamoja Capital Group; Cape Diaspora Investment;

International Organization for Migration (IOM); Safaricom Investment Co-operative; Nakuru County;

Kings Pride Properties; Hydraform; Multichoice; Kenya Airways; and One World Hospitality Group.

The Conference was attended by a high ranking delegation from Kenya comprising of

representatives from the Kenya National government, the County governments, the Kenyan private

sector and the Kenyan Diaspora in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. The over 300 participants

included speakers, moderators, panellists and Kenyan Diaspora.

The Conference explored key policy issues for members of the Kenyan Diaspora such as consular

services, ensuring the realization of the right to vote and accessing safe and secure investments in



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Kenya. The Conference encouraged the Kenyan Diaspora to take advantage of investment

opportunities unfolding in some of the 47 Counties which are the new centres of development in the

country. It entailed plenary sessions, breakout sessions and exhibitions on property investments,

insurance products and banking opportunities for Kenyans by the private sector. Partners to the

Conference branded their booths and showcased investment opportunities to Kenyan Diaspora. It

also included a career fair targeting the Kenyan students in Cape Town who engaged with companies

on career opportunities.

(Above) H.E Amb. Jean N.Kamau, High Commissioner of the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria delivers

introductory comments. (Below) Amb. David Mutemi, Secretary, Foreign Service Administration (SFSA) at the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (MFA&IT) delivers the key note address



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The Conference was preceded by a Golf Tournament on 20th November 2015 at the Pearl Golf Estate

in Cape Town, South Africa which was organized by One World Hospitality Group, a company owned

by a Kenyan Diaspora. The Tournament was largely sponsored by Kenya Airways. The tournament

was attended by the some of the participants to the Conference.

ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE KENYAN DIASPORA

(Left) Courtesy call to Ambassador

Jean N. Kamau, High Commissioner,

by Bishop Maina of Assemblies of

Christian Churches International

(ACCI), Kenya on 6th July 2015

KENYA NITE EVENT ON 7TH NOVEMBER 2015 AT INDABA HOTEL IN JOHANNESBURG



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(Above) Amb. Jean Kamau delivering key note address at Kenya Nite event in Johannesburg. The annual event

is organized by Kenya Diaspora Association Upendo Women



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JAMHURI DAY CELEBRATIONS IN PRETORIA ON 10TH DECEMBER 2015

(Above and Below) H.E. Amb. Jean Kamau hosted the 52nd

Jamhuri day celebrations at Pretoria Country Club on

10th

December 2015. The celebrations were graced by Mr. Madala Masuku, Deputy Minister for Economic

Development of the Republic of South Africa.

The event was attended by members of diplomatic corps based in Pretoria, representatives from

South African companies doing business in Kenya and Kenyan diaspora in South Africa.



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(Above) H.E. Amb. Jean N. Kamau hosted an evening event for Kenyan Diaspora in Gauteng Province to

celebrate the 52nd

Jamhuri day at Pretoria Country Club on 10th

December 2015.

The event was attended by representatives from South African companies doing business in Kenya

as well as Kenyan Diaspora living in Gauteng Province.

The High Commissioner shared with those present on the achievements of the planned Mission’s

activities for the Financial Year 2015/2016 that involved the diaspora in one way or another. Among

them were: The Kenya Trade and Investment Summit that was successfully held on 4th and 5th

September 2015 in Johannesburg. Participants to the Summit were from Kenya’s and South Africa’s

Trade Ministries and Private Sector primarily drawn from Energy, Infrastructure and Financial

Services; and The Kenya Diaspora Investment Conference that was successfully held on 21st to 22nd

December 2015 in Cape Town. The Conference was entailed networking, exhibitions on property

investments, insurance products, banking and a career fair targeting the Kenyan student community

in Cape Town to engage with companies on career opportunities.

The High Commissioner encouraged the Kenyan Diaspora to take advantage of investment

opportunities in Kenya. She also congratulated the Upendo Women Group for successfully

organizing the Kenya Nite held on 7th November 2015 in Johannesburg. The attendance by the

Kenyans to this event, clearly demonstrated the willingness to work together in associations and

groups.



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MISSION’S ACTIVITIES

RETREAT BY THE MISSIONS STAFF ON 26TH AUGUST 2015

(Above) Retreat By the Missions Staff Held on 26th

August, 2015 at KANAP Christian Convention Centre to

Finalize the Draft Mission Strategic Plan for the period 2015/2016-2017/2018

KENYA WOMEN RUGBY SEVENS NATIONAL TEAM

(Left) Amb. Lemarron Kaanto, Deputy High Commissioner when he hosted the Kenya Women Rugby Sevens

National Team at the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria 0n 28th September 2015. The National Team played

at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier tournament on 26th and 27th September 2015 at the

Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park in Johannesburg.



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STUDY TOURS BY KENYAN DELEGATIONS AND VISITS TO THE MISSION

KENYA NATIONAL POLICE CURRICULUM REVIEW COMMITTEE VISIT SOUTH AFRICA

(Above) Kenya delegation with Major- General H.K. Sethumule of SAPS at Human Resources Development

offices in Arcadia.

Efforts to restructure Kenya National Police saw the Kenya National Police Curriculum Review

Committee led by Dr. Kennedy Asembo, National Police Service Training advisor and his team of

seven (7) tutors at various police training colleges in Kenya visit South Africa on 17th to 21st August

2015 to meet with South Africa Police Service (SAPS). South Africa was the third (3rd) country the

team was benchmarking in after similar visit to Egypt and Rwanda.

The Kenyan delegation was hosted by SAPS Human Resources Development Directorate who took

them through South Africa Police command structure and various training methods. The team then

visited SAPS Academy in Tshwane and SAPS Detective Training Academy in Hammanskraal. The

delegation also got an opportunity to meet with officials of the Directorate of Priority Crime

Investigation also known as the Hawks.

During the meeting, Kenya National Police and South Africa Police Services considered a draft

bilateral agreement for cooperation and they intend to have it negotiated and signed at the earliest

opportunity.



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STUDY VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA BY THE POWER OF MERCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (POMAC) FROM

27TH OCTOBER TO 2ND NOVEMBER 2015

(Above) On 26th

October 2015, POMAC paid a courtesy call to the High Commission at the Kenya High

Commission Chancery. The delegation was received by the Deputy High Commissioner, Amb. Lemarron Kaanto

The Mission facilitated communication with the Department of International Relations and

Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa to secure appointments. However DIRCO

managed to secure appointments with the Department of Correctional Services and the Department

of Justice and Constitutional Development. The delegation was led by Regina Saira Boisabi, Vice-

Chair. The Committee was generally interested in learning more on how the relevant authorities

functionally relate with the power of mercy agency in South Africa.



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PICTORIAL

Signing Ceremony of the Contract for development project to be initiated at Government

Properties in Pretoria 1st July 2015

Participation at Annual Gauteng Carnival

March in September 2015



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Contacts

Kenya High Commission

302 Brooks Street

Menlo Park 0081

Pretoria, South Africa

P.O. Box 35954

Menlo Park 0102

Pretoria, South Africa

Telephone: +27 12 362 2249/50/51

Fax: +27 12 362 2252

Email: [email protected]

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