The north-east got a taste of east Africa yesterday with a special visit from the Kenyan High Commissioner to the UK.
His excellency Lazarus Amayo made the trip north from London to boost business links between Aberdeen and Kenya.
A high profile meeting had been organised between Lord Provost Barney Crockett and the commissioner who acts as one of the highest representatives of his country to the UK.
But the diplomat also found time in his busy schedule to meet with his fellow countrymen living in Aberdeen at the city’s Inn at the Park.
Kenya is a key business area in east Africa with high levels of growth predicted in coming years.
With a good level of English literacy in the country and growing telecommunications, transport and construction industry, the Lord Provost said that Kenya was now looking to Aberdeen for lessons.
Mr Amayo has had a long and varied diplomatic career.
He previously served as Director for Europe and Commonwealth Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, High Commissioner of Kenya to Zambia and Malawi, as well as High Commissioner to India with concurrent accreditation to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Singapore.
Lord Provost Crockett said he had been invited to visit Kenya now in return.
He said: “It was an honour to host a reception with His Excellency.
“There are already great links going back generations between the UK and Kenya and the High Commissioner was very knowledgeable about Aberdeen and knew the connections there were with the city and Kenya.
“They are very keen to be able to use some of the skills we have gained through the oil and gas in Kenya where their industries are really developing.
“Kenya is a central player in the east African economy, they are developing fast and so are their neighbours.
“If they can use our expertise in the likes of engineering then we can help them develop further and strengthen our economic links.
“I think Kenya is very happy to be part of Aberdeen’s future.”
Mr Amayo has said on the High Commission’s website: “Kenya and the United Kingdom enjoy long standing historical ties which continue to grow from strength to strength and have been transformed into a multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership. These ties encompass virtually all fields of interests.”
