Kibaki urges China to invest in Lamu project

President Kibaki has urged China to consider investing in the flagship projects earmarked for development under the LAPSSET project in Lamu.

During talks with Liu Qi a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee at his Harambee House Office Tuesday, President Kibaki said the projects are intended to revitalise the economies of regional countries such as South Sudan and Ethiopia.

The President said China was a close friend and a valuable partner not only in the advancement of friendly bilateral relations but also strategic partner in development, peace and security in the Horn of Africa region and Great Lakes region.

With regard to the military operation in Somalia, President Kibaki said the proactive action was intended to curtail threats created by the Al Shabaab to Kenya’s national security and blatant violation of its territorial integrity.

Appealing for China’s support in the ongoing Amisom operation, the President said the Somalia conflict had mutated into a complex situation whose threats extended beyond Kenya, to the neighbouring countries and even to the international community.

President Kibaki reiterated that Kenya’s specific mission to Somalia was to diminish the threats posed to Kenya’s social, political, military and environmental security.

The Head of State was grateful to the substantial bilateral support extended to Kenya by China with a cumulative official development assistance totalling to Sh42.21 billion.

President Kibaki singled out the construction of the Southern and Northern by-passes in Nairobi and the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Embakasi as some of the major projects undertaken with financial assistance from China.

Mr Qi said through the existing joint Trade and Economic Commission, his country and Kenya will explore ways and means of enhancing trade and investment to address the trade imbalance currently in favour of China.

He expressed his government’s desire and commitment to continue working closely with Kenya in all areas of mutual interest to the benefit of citizens of the two countries.

Foreign Affairs minister Prof Sam Ongeri, assistant minister Richard Onyonka, acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia were present.

Mr. Qi was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan and the Vice-Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Ai Ping, among others.