What we can learn from the US experience

Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago, the Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of the American Revolution. It was also the beginning of a movement that is still transforming the world – the beginning of a long march towards freedom for people everywhere.

Every Fourth of July, Americans honour the Declaration of Independence and the countless men and women who have fought courageously to defend the ideals in it, in America and around the world.

The principles enshrined in the Declaration are universal. They are the hope of every man, woman, and child who dreams of a better future.

America is strong because we hold true to the principles set out in the Declaration and in our Constitution. It is successful because of our diversity.

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We come from many places, hold many opinions, and value different approaches. We often disagree with one another.

Our system works because it allows every person and every interest to have a voice, and because it forges compromise out of those interests and voices. We have learned that the only way to resolve different opinions is through open debate and discussion.

It is also a challenge. Over two-and-a-half centuries, Americans have learned to value compromise the hard way, through struggle and sometimes through bloodshed.

Last December, Kenya celebrated 50 years of independence. It was a moment for all Kenyans to be proud. As I have travelled across Kenya, I have seen the commitment of the Kenyan people to the principles eloquently set out in the 2010 Constitution: democracy, human rights, justice, and rule of law.

I have also seen the challenges Kenya faces: creating jobs, building infrastructure, deepening democracy through devolution, and strengthening security. Like the US, Kenya will find answers through its diversity.

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Now is the moment for all Kenyans to come together. Now is the time to compromise, reject violence, and find a way forward as one nation. I urge Kenyans to unite to address the challenges facing this country, to embrace political tolerance and open discussion of issues.

As it does so, the US will stand with Kenya. Our partnership, now 50 years old, is unwavering. We can see it in our excellent government-to-government relations.

Annually, the America contributes up to Sh85 billion in development assistance. Those are grants, not loans. And President Obama has invited President Kenyatta to join him in August at the first US-African Leaders’ Summit.

Our partnership is evident in the American companies working here and investing in Kenya’s future. American business creates tens of thousands of jobs for Kenyans in manufacturing, telecommunications, aviation, and many other sectors.

More than 300,000 Kenyans live in the United States; 20,000 Americans live here. Another 150,000 Americans visit Kenya each year. What binds us together is deeper and more enduring than any passing issues that separate us.

Recently, however, some have questioned our partnership and spread unfounded rumours. Here are the facts.

The US has excellent relations with the government and people of Kenya. We do not support any political party or any particular politician in Kenya.

We support the ideals and principles set out in Kenya’s Constitution and our own. The US seeks to help Kenya expand its economy and create jobs.

Our travel warnings summarise the security situation in Kenya to allow American citizens to make informed decisions about travel. They do not tell Americans to avoid Kenya.

The US Embassy in Nairobi is open for business and we have no intention of closing it.

Mr Godec is the US ambassador in Kenya