By Grace Gilo
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called upon a delegation from Kenya – China Parliamentary Friendship Group to fulfil their commitment to enhancing the market for Kenyan products so as to boost various sectors such as agriculture which has encountered challenges.
The delegation, which paid him a courtesy call comprised the group’s Head of Delegation Prof. Hao Ping, Ma Viming (Member) and Zhang Li (Member) among others who met with him at his office in the Parliament Buildings.
“There is no place in Africa where you will not find Chinese footprints, I acknowledge the much China has done for Kenya but we should now focus on trade and how Kenyan products can access the Chinese market,” Speaker Wetang’ula stated.
He acknowledged the significant role that the Asian nation had played in various initiatives, highlighting the Expressway project, which employed advanced Chinese technology to enhance movement and alleviate congestion on several feeder roads, as well as the Highways constructed and improved by Chinese companies and also various water projects.
“You have transformed China from a third-world country to a world-class competitor, Africa needs a partner like China, now that Africa’s liberation is complete, it is time to transform the social fabric to free the people from poverty and into self-reliance,” Wetangula said.
This process is explained by the President’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) of turning the pyramid to bring people from the bottom of the pyramid and improve their livelihoods,” the Speaker added.
With established diplomatic relations between Kenya and China that have fostered infrastructural development, he assured the delegation of Kenya’s stand of territorial integrity and the intention to support them on any forum China required Kenya’s voice.
“When I was Foreign Minister, whenever there was a matter, G7, World Trade Organisation, UN General Assembly etc., China always voted with Kenya and Africa as a Third World Country,” he said.
The PSC Chairman further called on Prof. Hao Ping and the entire delegation to support the tourism sector by sending at least 5M of the 1.2B citizens to Kenya to savour the enticing flora and fauna, the sandy beaches, the wildlife and the people so as to impact the nations Tourism economic potential.
The Kenyan delegation comprised, Hon. (Dr.) Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South), Hon. Dr. Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Hon. Kakai Bissau (Kiminini) and Hon. Julius Sunkuli (Kilgoris).