𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚-𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

On March 13, 2025, H.E. Amb. Makoloo Maurice presented his letters of credence to H.E. President Zoran Milanović in Zagreb, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to deepening and expanding its partnership with Croatia

Key Highlights of the Diplomatic Engagements:

Enhanced Diplomatic Presence:
Discussions included the high possibility of Croatia establishing its embassy in Nairobi. This anticipated milestone will deepen 20 years of Kenya-Croatia diplomatic ties and unlock new avenues for collaboration.

Priority Areas for Cooperation:

•
Trade & Investment: Expanding opportunities in renewable energy and agriculture.

•
Technology Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships in ICT, AI innovation, and digital skills development.

•
Healthcare & Labour Mobility: Facilitating skilled Kenyan healthcare professionals to support Croatia’s workforce.

•
Tourism & Culture: Leveraging mutual strength in tourism, while fostering sports and cultural exchanges.

•
Education: Exploring scholarships for Kenyan students and linkages between universities and scholars. 

•
Blue Economy: Enhancing port collaborations to improve access to Croatian and EU markets and other related investments.

President Milanović commended Kenya’s leadership in peacebuilding, climate change mitigation, and its contributions to the UN. They both reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to multilateralism and global peace within the framework of international law.

Bilateral Meetings & Key Agreements

Following discussions with President Milanović, Ambassador Makoloo engaged in high-level meetings with key Croatian officials, including:

•
Ministry of Health – Ms. Marija Bubas, State Secretary. Both agreed to initiate discussions on a MoU for nursing labour mobility, supporting Kenya’s Kazi Majuu initiative.

•
Croatian Chamber of Commerce – Mr. Igor Pokaz, VP for Trade and Internationalization. The two leaders explored diversified collaboration in #tourism, the blue #economy, #energy, and #agriculture. They also agreed to commence modalities for cooperation with the Kenyan Chamber.

•
Ministry of Education and Science – Mr. Stasa Skenzic, Head of Sector for European Affairs and International Cooperation: The two initiated discussions on a MoU for comprehensive education cooperation.

These engagements set the foundation for strengthened #diplomaticties, sustainable growth, and shared prosperity between #Kenya and #Croatia.

“Welcome to Hungary. May this ceremony not only strengthen the bonds we have built over the past 60 years but also pave the way for new opportunities in the years to come”.

6th of March 2025, marked yet another milestone in the expansion of the Kenyan diplomatic footprint. His Excellency Ambassador Makoloo Maurice presented letters of credence to His Excellency H.E. Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of the Republic of Hungary as the 4th Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Hungary resident in Vienna Austria.
 
While congratulating Ambassador Makoloo, the President hailed the 60 years of cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries, adding that the presentation of letters of credence will undoubtedly elevate these relations to new levels.
 
The two discussed several issues of mutual interest including strengthening and deepening trade and economic relations; enhancing the existing partnerships in the fields of Agriculture, education, water management, nuclear Energy; and exploring new opportunities for partnership in the field of health among others. In addition, the President hailed Kenya's continued efforts towards finding sustainable regional peace and security.
 
In addition, Ambassador Makoloo briefed the President on the upcoming reciprocal visit by H.E Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to Hungary from 10th to 12th March 2025 where several instruments of cooperation will be signed.
After the presentation of credentials ceremony, the Ambassador proceeded to the Heroe’s square and laid a wreath at the Memorial Stone honoring the memory of the soldiers who died in the First World War.

Ambassador Makoloo who was accompanied by Mr. Jimmy Titus Ng’ota/ First Secretary, held meetings with other Hungarian senior government officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Hungary and that of Agriculture respectively. Further, he made a visit to the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) in Gödöllő, where 58 Kenyan students are currently studying under different Scholarship Programs. At the University, the Ambassador had a meeting with the Rector, Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, towards enhancing the scholarship partnership. In addition, Amb. Makoloo met with Kenyan students at the University majority of whom are in PhD and Masters program.
MATE is the pioneer of the Demo Farm launched in Kirinyaga county, designed to showcase Hungarian agricultural technology and innovation. The farm will act as a center for knowledge exchange, equipping local farmers with expertise in climate-smart agriculture, mechanization, and efficient irrigation techniques. The success of the demo firm will go a long way in addressing food security in the country and the region. The Ambassador also visited the Kenyan students studying at the University of Debrecen.

The best time for new beginnings is now: A legjobb idő az új kezdetekhez most van.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫?

This was a question asked at the UNODC Vienna exhibition _"Empowerment for Women and Girls: Advancing UNODC’s Mandate through Meaningful Participation" a breakfast event held at the UN tp celebrate #womensday.

This exhibition was had to highlight the remarkable contributions of women from various countries and counterpart agencies who have collaborated with UNODC in combating #organizedcrime, preventing #terrorism, and addressing #humantrafficking.

The event was moderated by Amb. Susan Eckey, of Norway and had esteemed Panelists; Amb. Maimounata Ouattara #BurkinaFas , Amb. Corinne Kitsell #UK, Amb. José Antonio Zabalgoitia Trejo #Mexic and Amb. Evangelina Lourdes Bernas, #Philippines.

The panel elicited encouraging discussions on how more women have b#leadership roles and more hiring companies are seeing the benefit of having women in their organisation. Amb. Maimounata Ouattara, Burkina Faso, put it well by saying, " women awareness it’s not just about women's rights, it is about #humanrights.

Women empowerment makes economical and global sense." Her message to all women was:
Trust in yourself
Invest in yourself
build your capacity
and continue learning

The advice given by the esteemned panel to the question asked was that father's and men with women in their lives need to lead by example. Show them respect and dignity and your daughters will learn how they are meant to be treated. Also provide them with the highest education and expose them to everything you do, as this will give them life skills.

𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝒀 𝑾𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑵'𝑺 𝑫𝑨𝒀 2025

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆77 & 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫
"This is a moment for consolidation—of the progress we have made, of the partnerships we have built, of the unity that has defined us." These were the resounding words of Amb. Makoloo Maurice as he officially took over the chairmanship of the G77 & China Vienna Chapter from Amb. Laura Gil, Permanent Representative of Colombia on 4th February 2025.

Following his nomination by the Africa Group and unanimous endorsement, Amb. Makoloo, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, will lead the group for the year 2025.

The handover ceremony at the UN Headquarters in Vienna was attended by: H.E. Ghada Fathi Waly, the DG of UNOV & UNODC, H.E. Gerd Müller DG of UNIDO, Senior officials from IAEA, UNOOSA, CTBTO, and UNCITRAL.

Delegations from UN members states, Kenya Embassy staff and Kenyans working at the UN were also present.

Outlining his vision for the group, Amb. Makoloo emphasized the importance of building bridges across regions, cultures, and ideologies.

He stated: "Strengthening South-South cooperation is not just an option; it is an imperative. Working together with our partners in the Global North is not just beneficial; it is necessary. Deepening our engagement with the Vienna-based organizations is not just strategic; it is critical to our shared success."
In a video message, the PS for Foreign Affairs, Korir SingOei, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to effectively leading the G-77 Vienna Chapter and strengthening its role, highlighting the pressing global challenges that require a strong, unified voice to achieve effective and equitable solutions.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
Several delegations acknowledged the immense responsibility of chairing the group and expressed full confidence in Kenya’s ability to steer G77 & China towards its mission of advancing development cooperation for the Global South.

The G77 & China established in 1964 is a coalition of 134 developing countries working together to promote their collective interests and strengthen their negotiating capacity within the UN. It has 7 chapters in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Washington DC, Paris and Rome.

𝐀 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚
Kenya’s assumption of the G77 & China chairmanship in Vienna is a historic milestone, marking only the second time Kenya has held this esteemed position, the first being in Rome in 1979.

As Chair, Amb. Makoloo will lead the group’s engagement with Vienna-based UN organizations, advocating for more equitable and #sustainabledevelopment in the areas of #spacegovernance, #industrialdevelopment, control of #drugsandcrime and #nuclear & #scientificcooperation.

We extend our deepest gratitude for the trust placed in Kenya and look forward to a productive year of collaboration and advocacy for the collective interests of the Global South.
 

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

On 16th January 2025, Amb. Valerie RUGENE, Deputy Head of the Kenya Embassy/ Permanent Mission in Vienna ( accredited to Hungary) represented Amb. Makoloo Maurice at the annual convening of New Year address to the diplomatic corps by the Hungarian President, H.E Tamas Sulyok. The annual event provides a platform for the President to give an overview of the state of the nation and to also outline the government’s foreign policy priorities and focus for the year. In his address the president emphasised the importance of international cooperation and strengthening multilateralism to solve pressing #global issues.

Amb. Rugene also met with Ms. Katalin Nyirati, Head of Africa Department at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade during which they held #discussions on strengthening #cooperation between the two countries in the areas of #agriculture, #education, #nuclear, #health and #trade. The two also delved into preparations for a return high level official visit to Hungary, scheduled for March 2025.

Education being one of the most important areas of collaboration with Hungary, Amb. Valerie Rugene met with representatives from the leadership of the Association of #Kenyan #Students in Hungary (AKESH) to discuss challenges being faced by students on scholarship and areas of improvement. Students form the majority of Kenya’s diaspora in Hungary. The Hungarian government offers 200 scholarships to Kenyans annually.

“𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝”.

This was the parting shot from the Slovenian president as she received the Kenyan Ambassador in Ljubljana earlier this week!
Monday, 13th January 2025 marked a new chapter for Kenya - Slovenia relations as Ambassador Makoloo Maurice, presented letters of credence to Her Excellency Dr.Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia as the first Kenya Ambassador to Slovenia resident in Vienna, Austria. President Musar hailed this as a historic achievement, which adds fresh momentum in advancing the 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

#Kenya and #Slovenia have partnered at several levels including supporting each other for and during their respective terms as Non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. Slovenia is currently serving as a member having campaigned under the slogan ‘Building Trust. Securing Future’, a message that was endorsed by Kenya.

The two discussed several issues of mutual interest including strengthening and deepening #trade relations; #technology and skills cooperation; enhancing people to people connection among others. In addition, the President hailed Kenya's efforts towards finding sustainable regional and international #peace and #security, and its continued leadership and contribution towards addressing #ClimateChange, adding that Slovenia as a current non-permanent member of the UN Security Council has prioritised finding sustainable peace and security in a manner that respects International law. Noting that Kenya hosts one of the four offices of the United Nations, the two agreed on the need to reinvigorate #multilateralism.

Amb. Makoloo, who was accompanied by Mr. Jimmy Titus Ng’ota, a colleague diplomat thereafter held a series of meetings with other senior government officials in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister respectively. His Excellency, the ambassador also held important discussions with ICPE Enterprises centered on facilitating collaborations on the use of technology for inter-alia water management, agricultural production and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation with Kenya’s world renown tech-innovation sectors. Amb. Makoloo also visited a biotech company, m/s JAFRAL Biosolutions, which specializes in the production of high quality products for use in human and animal healthcare and the environment.

On the 15th January, the ambassador joined colleague ambassadors in the annual convening of the diplomatic corps by the Slovenian President and Prime Minister. It is a normal practice in #diplomacy to have an embassy serve that country of residence as well as other countries of interest.

The Kenya Embassy in Vienna is thus accredited to Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary and Ukraine respectively.

*Celebrating Life, Embracing Moments*

Join us as we celebrate our Ambassador Makoloo Maurice birthday. But why celebrate? Indeed, while many celebrate birthdays, their own or those of others, some find no value in such endeavours. The staff of the Kenya Embassy in Vienna, Austria fall in the former group. For this reason, they gathered together on the 9th of January, bright and early; spring in their steps; joy and gratitude in their hearts; smiles in their faces; prayers in their lips!

Embassy schedules are quite hectic. This was therefore a moment to pause and celebrate life- the best gift ever! And not just the life of our Head of Mission, but the lives of each of each of us. Because our lives are gifts to one another. We thus embraced the moment to reconnect with ourselves and build new memories.

The celebration was not only filled with joy and praise but also prayer. Joy, praise and prayer because this month also marks exactly a year since he arrived in Vienna. We thus celebrated #ServantLeadership #values #ServiceDelivery #Impact. We were joined by Fr. John Njenga who prayed for our Ambassador to continue serving the Kenyans, through the Embassy with the grace and leadership he has been showing. He also encouraged him to continue in his diligent faith in God, as this will guide him as a leader. He was presented with selected moments of his past year in Vienna.

While thanking the staff for their warmth, kindness and dedication for this celebration, which was organised as a surprise to him, Amb. Makoloo said that his only birthday wish was that ‘the will of God be done in my life, and through my life’.

Please join us in celebrating Balozi Makoloo.

*Celebrating Life, Embracing Moments*

Join us as we celebrate our Ambassador Makoloo Maurice birthday. But why celebrate? Indeed, while many celebrate birthdays, their own or those of others, some find no value in such endeavours. The staff of the Kenya Embassy in Vienna, Austria fall in the former group. For this reason, they gathered together on the 9th of January, bright and early; spring in their steps; joy and gratitude in their hearts; smiles in their faces; prayers in their lips!

Embassy schedules are quite hectic. This was therefore a moment to pause and celebrate life- the best gift ever! And not just the life of our Head of Mission, but the lives of each of each of us. Because our lives are gifts to one another. We thus embraced the moment to reconnect with ourselves and build new memories.

The celebration was not only filled with joy and praise but also prayer. Joy, praise and prayer because this month also marks exactly a year since he arrived in Vienna. We thus celebrated #ServantLeadership #values #ServiceDelivery #Impact. We were joined by Fr. John Njenga who prayed for our Ambassador to continue serving the Kenyans, through the Embassy with the grace and leadership he has been showing. He also encouraged him to continue in his diligent faith in God, as this will guide him as a leader.

While thanking the staff for their warmth, kindness and dedication for this celebration, he was presented with selected moments of his past year in Vienna, which was organized as a surprise to him, Amb. Makoloo said that his only birthday wish was that ‘the will of God be done in my life, and through my life’.

Please join us in celebrating Balozi Makoloo.

H.E. Amb. Maurice Makoloo of the Republic of Kenya, in his capacity as the Chair of the African Group (of Ambassadors) in Austria hosted H.E. Ms Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, Ghana's Ambassador Designate to Austria & the UNOV who arrived in Vienna this week to begin her assignment. Their Excellencies discussed several issues of mutual interest especially the importance of cooperation in the world in a spirit of rules-based multilateralism. At the bilateral level, #Ghana and #Kenya enjoy cordial relations since Ghana and Morocco joined the UK to co-sponsor the admission of Kenya to the UN on 16th Dec 1963!

Makoloo Maurice
#vienna
#unitednations

Celebrating 60 years of Kenya's diplomatic journey and marking this year’s Jamhuri Day in Austria was a truly special occasion. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring ties and shared values between our nations, as well as to look forward to continued collaboration with Austria and friendship in shaping a prosperous future together.

A heartfelt tribute to Makoloo Maurice , Valerie RUGENE, and everyone involved for their dedication and leadership in making this milestone celebration a resounding success.

 "𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤, 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠"
-𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛

Our H.E. Makoloo Maurice said this while speaking at the High-level event commemorating the first international day for the Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) emphasizing the importance of addressing Transnational organized crime in the form of #terrorism, #humantrafficking, #environmentalcrimes, illegal #drugtrafficking, #cybercrime, which present huge challenges to the African countries and the world at large. Amb. Maurice Makoloo highlighted these 3 key elements:
 
1. Collaboration
 
2. Capacity
 
3. Innovation

which he emphasized that they must be encompassed in the response as #African countries.

In 2016 the Kenyan government launched the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) to deal with national migration issues. A plateform 
that facilitates interagency coordination, collaboration and information sharing on migration concerns.

The support of #UNTOCvienna is used for the strong partnership and support on what Kenya is undertaking on a national level.
 
#Kenya ranks as the 35th digitally attached country in the world. We therefore call upon more donors and partners to promote more support to these efforts.

He was joined at the panel by Ghada Waly, Debora Pires Lepre Ian Tennant and Peter Burian

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

Last week we were invited to a networking reception aimed at fostering connections among professionals working to advance gender equality in nuclear security and nonproliferation.

The event was hosted by Women in Women in Nuclear IAEA (WiN IAEA) to congratulate women who completed their fellowship experiences provided by Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship programme.

We were particularly proud of two Kenyan women Pamella Kageliza Kilavi (PhD) and Josephine Wakuyu who received grants to train students on Nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

We would like to thank Janette Donner the president of WIN IAEA and organizers of this event as they continue to show visibility and recognition to women's contributions in the nuclear field. We were able to see that there are lots of opportunities for women to grow professionally in the #nuclear science and #technology space.

This fellowship is focused on encouraging the agency and Vienna-based organizations to remain committed to #genderequality and wants to continue to encourage other Nuclear focused #careerwomen to mentor and support the younger generation in their journey.

This quote came to mind as we spoke to the women in the room "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." - #MichelleObama.

Attended by Ceri Samvilian and Helen Koki

The power of Networking as a woman in the Nuclear Sector


Last week we were invited to a networking reception aimed at fostering connections among professionals working to advance gender equality in nuclear security and nonproliferation.

The event was hosted by Women in Women in Nuclear IAEA (WiN IAEA) to congratulate women who completed their fellowship experiences provided by Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship programme.


We were particularly proud of two Kenyan women Pamella Kageliza Kilavi (PhD) and Josephine Wakuyu who received grants to train students on Nuclear safety, security and safeguards.



We would like to thank Janette Donner the president of WIN IAEA and organizers of this event as they continue to show visibility and recognition to women's contributions in the nuclear field. We were able to see that there are lots of opportunities for women to grow professionally in the #nuclearscience and #technology space.


This fellowship is focused on encouraging the agency and Vienna-based organisations to remain commited to #genderequality and wants to continue to encourage other Nuclear focused #careerwomen to mentor and support the younger generation in their journey.

This quote came to mind as we spoke to the women in the room "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." - #MichelleObama.

The threads that bind our human experience go beyond borders, borders of all kinds - geographical, racial, cultural, generational etc.

Today, HE Amb. Maurice Makoloo hosted Dr. Anatoliy A. Kovalenko , Honorary Consul of Kenya to Ukraine  who presented him with copies of books of folklore and proverbs from Kenyan communities that have been translated into Ukrainian language. These stories and African sayings cover several different issues of human life that lend themselves easy to share with other peoples and cultures. The books have since been distributed to libraries across Ukraine.

Makoloo Maurice thanked Dr. Anatoliy Kovalenko for this important contribution to strengthening the relationship between the people of the two countries but above all for demonstrating the interconnectedness of the human experience.
#culturaldiplomacy

#CulturalDiplomacy

Yesterday, Ekkehard Class (DI Class GmbH) and Lucy Maxwell(Sales Representative-DI Class GmbH met H.E Amb. Maurice Makoloo at the Kenyan Embassy in Vienna,

The meeting highlighted the possible education programme opportunities with the University of Leoben in Austria, where Kenyan and Austrian students would benefit in education exchange programs.

Makoloo Maurice expressed his personal interest and the readiness and willingness of the government of Kenya to support the investor’s efforts in building up the company, which should bring in new technology and possibilities of skilled jobs for Kenyan citizens.

𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐲 𝐇.𝐄 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐖. 𝐌𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐢, 𝐄𝐆𝐇, 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬

15-17 September 2024

The Embassy is deeply honoured to host 𝐇.𝐄. 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐢, 𝐄𝐆𝐇 in Vienna.

Besides his headline participation at the 68th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, Amb. Makoloo Maurice and the Embassy team look forward to facilitating a comprehensive schedule of high-level meetings with the Vienna-based UN Organizations, valued interactions with the Kenyan Diaspora, and timely bilateral discussions at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Key objectives:
★ Promoting the safe application of nuclear technologies in Kenya
★ Advancing sustainable industrial development partnerships - UNIDO
★ Strengthening multilateral efforts to tackle transnational threats and challenges - UNODC
★ Enhancing bilateral economic cooperation with Austria - Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten (MFA Austria)

The Embassy is grateful to the PCS for visiting and creating this opportunity to deepen our multilateralism and further enrich the strong and friendly relations between #Kenya and #Austria

𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘞𝘪𝘦𝘯, 𝐇.𝐄. 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐢, 𝐄𝐆𝐇

H.E. Amb. Makoloo Maurice had the honor of visiting the Pessl Instruments Headquarters in Weiz, Austria, at the invitation of CEO Gottfried Pessl.

Since its inception in 1984, METOS® by Pessl Instruments has evolved into a global leader in the development and manufacturing of smart, holistic technological solutions for precision agriculture. With a presence in over 85 countries, Pessl Instruments is now strategically expanding its focus to the African continent through its ambitious "100,000 Weather Stations in Africa" project.

The weather stations, part of Pessl Instrument's innovative IoT hardware and software solutions, aim to provide farmers with crucial data to make informed decisions, enabling comprehensive and efficient management of farming activities.

During the visit, H.E. Amb. Makoloo Maurice emphasized that the Kenya Government, under the #BETA agenda, has prioritized agriculture as one of the five pillars of the country's economic transformation plan. He highlighted the government's commitment to promoting innovative, sustainable smart-agriculture practices that drive economic growth, enhance productivity, improve food and nutrition security, and support climate risk mitigation and adaptation efforts. The "100,000 Weather Stations in Africa" project by Pessl Instruments thereby aligns seamlessly with Kenya's ongoing agricultural initiatives.

On Thursday, 29th August, the Embassy will join other Vienna-based African Missions at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), to discuss "the future of African digital agriculture" and the 100,000 Weather Stations project.

We look forward to continued collaboration with Pessl Instruments and to facilitating the success of the innovative smart-agriculture initiative.

Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development,
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Nairobi
UNIDO
Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre SEZ

𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 2024 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 21𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 2024

This Sunday, the Kenya Diaspora in Austria and the Kenya Embassy in Vienna will join together to support our athletes at the 2024 Vienna Marathon. Kenyan athletes have a storied legacy at the Vienna Marathon, having clinched the title 18 times since 1999. In last year's marathon, Kenyan star Samuel Mailu set the course record of 2:05:08.

This year's event is especially significant as we witness the historic participation of H.E. Ambassador Makoloo Maurice, who will be running the half marathon - marking the first time a Kenyan Ambassador to Austria competes in this prestigious international race.

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 2024 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐳 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧:

Earlier this month (on 7th April) the Embassy (alongside the Kenya Diaspora community in Linz) witnessed the Linz Marathon, during which the Kenyan contingent continued its tradition of excellence.

Seven of the top 10 finalists in the men's marathon were Kenyan, and the top 2 in the women's race were from Kenya:

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐌𝐞𝐧)
Andebrhan, Goitom Kifle (ERI) 2:08:15
Chirchir, Denis Kipngeno (KEN) 2:08:28
Gonfa, Dejene Debela (ETH) 2:08:38
Kibii, Fredrick (KEN) 2:08:56
Kimeli, Wisley (KEN) 2:09:40

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧)
Cherop, Rebecah Jeruto (KEN) 2:33:05
Kaino, Lina Jepkemoi (KEN) 2:34:04
Arado, Gulume Tekle (ETH) 2:34:13

The Ambassador used the special occasion to hold important talks with Hon. Mayor Klaus Luger and the Linz City Administration. At the invitation of the City, Ambassador Maurice Makoloo will participate as a runner in next year's Linz Marathon.

Following the Marathon, the Ambassador held a meeting with the Kenyan Diaspora Community in Linz utilizing the occasion to brief them on the latest developments in Kenya-Austria relations and to outline the Embassy’s consular services. Special mention to Ms. Lili Naliaka (and her family members, Mr. Guenther Mair and Ms. Norah Nafula) and Ms. Grace Odhiambo, Chairperson of the #KEMADiasporaAssociation, for the important roles played in coordinating these engagements.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧:

We anticipate another display of exceptional Kenyan athleticism and endurance at the Vienna Marathon this weekend. The Embassy will again partner with the Kenyan Diaspora community in Vienna to support our athletes.

Marathons serve not only as a test of physical endurance but also as viable stages for the promotion of cultural diplomacy. This Sunday, we shall gather to applaud the perseverance of the athletes and to witness the powerful narrative of human potential and international camaraderie unfold in historic Vienna.

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢: 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚-𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Today, H.E. Ambassador Makoloo Maurice was honoured to, once again, welcome Mr. Martin Woller, Regional Director for Middle East & Africa at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, to the Chancery.

Mr. Woller made the visit to formally introduce Mr. Andreas Pfleger, who is scheduled to take over as Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy (Commercial Section) in Nairobi - ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA NAIROBI - from the 1st of July 2024.

The Kenya Embassy in Vienna and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA enjoy strong, cordial relations as partners in promoting trade and investment between our nations. Ambassador Makoloo congratulated Mr. Pfleger on his new role and assured him of full support during his tenure.

We wish Mr. Pfleger the very best as he prepares to commence his new assignment in Nairobi and eagerly look forward to collaborating further to enhance the dynamic economic ties between Kenya and Austria.

𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘺𝘢 Andreas!

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬' 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦, 19-21 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 2024

The Europe-Region Kenya Ambassadors' Consultative Forum, convened by the State Department for Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre #TRIFIC #SEZ, concluded successfully on Sunday, 21st April 2024, in Vienna.

Facilitators included Dr. Korir SingOei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs (virtually); Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development; Dr. James Mworia, CEO of Centum Investments; Ms. Floice Mukabana, CEO of KEPROBA; and Mr. Eric Kimunguyi, CEO of CropLife Kenya. Ambassadors from 14 Kenyan Missions across Europe - Ankara, Berlin, Bern, Brussels, Dublin, Geneva, the Hague, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, UNESCO, and Vienna - attended the forum. Amb. Rose Makena and Amb. Joseph Masila, respectively, the Directors for Europe and Commonwealth, and Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the State Department for Foreign Affairs, were also in attendance.

The envoys commenced the 2-day program with a courtesy call on Ms Ghada Waly, the Director General of the UN Office in Vienna (UNOV). During the conversation, the special relationship between the UN Office in Nairobi (UNON) and UNOV - both part of the four UN global offices - was emphasized, and the criticality of strong multilateralism was reiterated.

Speaking from Nairobi, Dr SingOei kicked off the formal session by emphasising Europe's strategic importance to Kenya as a key trade and investment partner. He exhorted the Ambassadors to explore new strategies for enhancing Kenya’s international role - focusing on, among other areas, peace and security, effective multilateral climate action, and creating partnerships for technological advancement. He urged them to develop synergistic modalities for engagement with all stakeholders, including TRIFIC, that will transform Kenyan Missions into hubs of Economic Diplomacy and offer support to Kenya’s labour market strategy.

Consistent with the vision enunciated by the Principal Secretary, the forum deliberated several issues over the two days, including:

Modernising the strategies for diplomatic engagement with Europe.
Attracting private sector investment, particularly in services, by making use of the TRIFIC SEZ’s infrastructure.
Elevating country branding.
Analyzing the impacts of the new Kenya-EU EPA and the EU Green Deal.
Facilitating mutually beneficial skilled labour exchange, and
Augmenting the impact of the Kenyan Diaspora in national development.

In a fitting conclusion, participants joined the Kenya Diaspora from Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, along with #TeamKenya Athletes, to celebrate achievements at the 2024 Vienna City Marathon, where Kenya got second and third positions in both the men's and women's categories.

We are proud of the partnership between #Kenya and the The OPEC Fund for International Development. Our utmost appreciation to Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, OPEC Fund President, and the OPEC Fund team for the support provided to the Kenyan runners.

The very best of wishes to #OPECFundRookieTeam and #TeamKenya runners Faith Chepkoech, Winny Kosgei, Raymond Komen and Edmon Rono at the #Vienna Marathon this Sunday

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬!

This service is tailored for your needs. The Mobile Consular Services (MCS) is an initiative undertaken by the #Government of #Kenya through the State Department for #Diaspora Affairs to bring consular services close to the Kenyan Diaspora.

The Mobile Consular Services (MCS) team have been to #Austria for the past 3 days. They set up shop in Vienna and Salzburg and today 18th until 19th April, will be in Budapest, Hungary.

Kenyans in Hungary and neighbouring countries, take note of the date, time and venue of the exercise.

Looking forward to seeing you there..

Tell a Kenyan to tell a Kenyan!

𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 2024 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 21𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 2024

This Sunday, the Kenya Diaspora in Austria and the Kenya Embassy in Vienna will join together to support our athletes at the 2024 Vienna Marathon. Kenyan athletes have a storied legacy at the Vienna Marathon, having clinched the title 18 times since 1999. In last year's marathon, Kenyan star Samuel Mailu set the course record of 2:05:08.

This year's event is especially significant as we witness the historic participation of H.E. Ambassador Makoloo Maurice, who will be running the half marathon - marking the first time a Kenyan Ambassador to Austria competes in this prestigious international race.

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 2024 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐳 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧:

Earlier this month (on 7th April) the Embassy, in conjunction with the Diaspora community in Linz, witnessed the Linz Marathon, during which the Kenyan contingent continued its tradition of excellence.

Seven of the top 10 finalists in the men's marathon were Kenyan, and the top 2 in the women's race were from Kenya:

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐌𝐞𝐧)
Andebrhan, Goitom Kifle (ERI) 2:08:15
Chirchir, Denis Kipngeno (KEN) 2:08:28
Gonfa, Dejene Debela (ETH) 2:08:38
Kibii, Fredrick (KEN) 2:08:56
Kimeli, Wisley (KEN) 2:09:40

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧)
Cherop, Rebecah Jeruto (KEN) 2:33:05
Kaino, Lina Jepkemoi (KEN) 2:34:04
Arado, Gulume Tekle (ETH) 2:34:13

The Ambassador used the special occasion to hold important talks with Hon. Mayor Klaus Luger and the Linz City Administration. At the invitation of the City, Ambassador Maurice Makoloo will participate as a runner in next year's Linz Marathon.

Following the Marathon, the Ambassador held a meeting with the Kenyan Diaspora Community in Linz utilizing the occasion to brief them on the latest developments in Kenya-Austria relations and to outline the Embassy’s consular services. Special mention to Ms. Lili Naliaka (and her family members, Mr. Guenther Mair and Ms. Norah Nafula) and Ms. Grace Odhiambo, Chairperson of the #KEMADiasporaAssociation, for the important roles played in coordinating these engagements.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧:

We anticipate another display of exceptional Kenyan athleticism and endurance at the Vienna Marathon this weekend. The Embassy will again partner with the Kenyan Diaspora community in Vienna to support our athletes.

Marathons serve not only as a test of physical endurance but also as viable stages for the promotion of cultural diplomacy. This Sunday, we shall gather to applaud the perseverance of the athletes and to witness the powerful narrative of human potential and international camaraderie unfold in historic Vienna.

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚:

According to the Austrian Law, a total of 104 victims of human trafficking were identified in Austria in 2022. Nearly a third of the victims were #women, with a majority of the total being from third world countries.

The reason this has caught our attention is because the number of Kenyan women falling in this category has begun to rise in the last 2-3 years.

Makoloo Maurice as well as the consular staff Helen Koki – Minister and Ceri Samvilian – Consular Clerk at the Kenyan Embassy met with 2 experts from the LEFÖ-IBF information education and support for migrant women – intervention centre for trafficked women, to discuss how this could affect the Kenyan #Diaspora in Austria and how the Embassy can be supportive.
Information was provided on the primary objectives of LEFÖ-IBF which is to protect and empower women and girls who are trafficked, go through violence, exploitation and the information provided on women’s and #humanrights violations.

LEFÖ-IBF offers unconditional support, catered to individual needs for #traffickedwomen and girls from the age of 15. These services are confidential, anonymous and free of Charge.

As an #Embassy we realised the importance of not only supporting the women who reach out for assistance, but most importantly how to come up with ways to prevent these cases from rising.

The meeting also brought great enlightenment on collaborative #opportunities which can be employed with an aim of protecting victims suspected of abuse and human trafficking in Austria.

This must begin with all Kenyan diaspora guarding themselves with information on the services provided by LEFÖ-IBF and on how one can identify an individual who is a victim of trafficking or violence.
Please find all the information needed here: https://lnkd.in/dKVYG26i and contact the organisation or the Embassy for assistance or direction.

#empowerment
#humantraffiking
#community
#migrantwomen

𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚: 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐨’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 3-4, 2024

The regions of Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg are not only famed for their premier tourism and ski resorts amid iconic Alpine landscapes but are also home to some of Austria's leading companies and a dynamic and thriving Kenyan community.

In the first week of April, H.E. Amb. Makoloo Maurice, with the adept support of Mr. Georg Hofherr, embarked on a two-day inaugural visit to Innsbruck aimed at expanding Kenya's diplomatic reach in this strategic region. Highlights of the visit include:

𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝑶𝒏𝒆:
Meeting with Mr. Peter Wagner, CBO of Alturos, to discuss innovative ideas for modernizing Kenya's tourism management.
Talks with Dr. #IngeborgHochmair, CEO of MED-EL, and Ms. Stephanie Unterrieder, MED-EL Africa Lead, on a proposed partnership that aims to deliver affordable advanced ear and hearing care in Kenya using Med-El's state-of-the-art technologies.
Dialogue with Mr. #GeorgWilliet, Manager of #Lebenshilfe Tirol, on employment opportunities for Kenyan healthcare professionals in Tyrol.
Meeting with Deputy Mayor Hon. #JosefGeisler on strengthening official partnerships between Kenya and Tyrol.

The first day concluded with a strategic dinner hosted by Mr. Hofherr.

𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝑻𝒘𝒐:
In the company of Mr. Georg Hofherr and First Counsellor Ronny G. Mutethia, H.E. Amb. Makoloo met with the following strategic partners:
Prof. Dr. Andreas Altmann, Rector of Management Center Innsbruck (MCI), to discuss educational collaboration.
Hon. Florian Tursky, candidate for Mayoral elections in Innsbruck and immediate former State Secretary for Digitalization and Telecommunication in Austria, and Deputy Mayor Hon. #AndreasWanker, to discuss expanding Kenya's outreach in Innsbruck and Austria.

The Ambassador also held several high-level business meetings, including discussions with Mr. Gregor Leitner, Deputy Director at the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Wilfried Stauder of Hypo Tyrol Bank, and Dr. #ChristophSwarovski, President of the Industrial Association of Tyrol. These discussions aim to lay the groundwork to convene strategic business forums on enhancing trade and investment between Kenya and Tyrol in the future.

The visit, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤, marks the beginning of a targeted agenda to forge deeper, more impactful collaborations with the governments, business community and Kenyans in the Western Austria region.

Look out for additional pictures of H.E. the Ambassador's inaugural Innsbruck visit on the gallery tab of the Embassy's website.

𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝? 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐃?
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭! 
 
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services are coming to your door step.
 
The Embassy wishes to inform the #KenyanDiaspora in #Austria, #Croatia, #Slovakia, #Slovenia, #Hungary and Ukraine that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs in conjunction with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services will rollout Mobile Consular Services (MCS) in Austria and Hungary.
 
Following on successful engagements with the Mobile services at Kenyan Embassies in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Washington, Houston, Milan, Turkey and Rome, the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services are finally ready for you.
 
The effort made is in recognition of the critical roll that the Kenyans in diaspora play in the #socialeconomic and #cultural development in Kenya.  It is also in execution of the mission of the State Department for Diaspora Affair’s mandate which includes championing the welfare rights and interests of the Kenyan’s in diaspora.
 
The Mobile Consular Services (MCS)  will provide among others the following services:

E-passport applications
ID applications
Birth certificate applications
and many more as shown in the posters shared.
 
Please visit the Embassy website for detailed information on all services that will be provided and the requirements needed. You can also get more information on our social media platform X.
 
Ensure you choose the city nearby you and have all documents needed before your visit. Please note that the venues will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed.
 
Please tell a Kenyan to tell another Kenyan!

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚:

According to the Austrian Law, a total of 104 victims of human trafficking were identified in Austria in 2022. Nearly a third of the victims were #women, with a majority of the total being from third world countries.

The reason this has caught our attention is because the number of Kenyan women falling in this category has begun to rise in the last 2-3 years.

Makoloo Maurice as well as the consular staff Helen Koki – Minister and Ceri Samvilian – Consular Clerk at the Kenyan Embassy met with 2 experts from the LEFÖ-IBF information education and support for migrant women – intervention centre for trafficked women, Anne Schwarzl and Anastasia Lapina both Psychosocial advisers and criminal process supporters, to discuss how this could affect the Kenyan #Diaspora in Austria and how the Embassy can be supportive.
Information was provided on the primary objectives of LEFÖ-IBF which is to protect and empower women and girls who are trafficked, go through violence, exploitation and the information provided on women’s and #humanrights violations.

LEFÖ-IBF offers unconditional support, catered to individual needs for #traffickedwomen and girls from the age of 15. These services are confidential, anonymous and free of Charge.

As an #Embassy we realised the importance of not only supporting the women who reach out for assistance, but most importantly how to come up with ways to prevent these cases from rising.

The meeting also brought great enlightenment on collaborative #opportunities which can be employed with an aim of protecting victims suspected of abuse and human trafficking in Austria.

This must begin with all Kenyan diaspora guarding themselves with information on the services provided by LEFÖ-IBF and on how one can identify an individual who is a victim of trafficking or violence.
Please find all the information needed here: https://lnkd.in/dKVYG26i and contact the organisation or the Embassy for assistance or direction.

#empowerment
#humantraffiking
#community
#migrantwomen

𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑: 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃, 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄!

The Central Bank of #Kenya data shows that remittances from Kenyans living abroad hit a record USD 4.19 Billion in the year 2023. This means that lately remittances have overtaken the traditional #foreignexchange earners of #tea, #coffee and #horticulture. They send money back home because they care. They care about their families and friends. They care about developing Kenya. They care about maintaining their connections with the motherland. Anecdotes also show that Kenyans abroad spot #jobopportunities and help connect fellow Kenyans with these jobs. In the process, they assist new entrants to arrive and thrive by supporting them in different ways to integrate and understand their new environments in the shortest times possible. Through their robust engagements in social media, diaspora also provide input into critical policy conversations and decision-making. And yet another often not-publicly stated function that Kenyans living abroad undertake is representing the country – in their own way and in their own spaces. By showcasing their legendary resilient and innovative streaks they paint the image of a country of great talented people.
 
It was with these thoughts in mind that the staff of the Kenya Mission in Vienna joyfully set to meet fellow citizens recently in Vienna. One such meeting was held by the Kenya Moja Austria (KEMA) www.kenyamojaaustria.com .

A similar meeting was held with Kenyan professionals working with the UN Agencies and other International Organizations. Addressing the gatherings Amb. Makoloo Maurice appealed to the diaspora to partner with the Embassy to get accurate data that will be essential in the government providing more support to the Kenyan diaspora. In this regard he informed them of the upcoming Mobile Consular Services in April led by the State Department Diaspora Affairs and called upon them to actively participate and moblize others to attend and thereafter to give feedback. Similarly, he called upon them to continue partnering with the Embassy to collectively find ways to build on the many successes including ensuring better skills, technology and knowledge transfer.

We want to thank the Vienna District Representatives from the cultural department; Ms. Anna Stepniewsk (representing the 20th district) and Mr. Christian Strombeger (representing the 22nd district). They encouraged further ideas from the Kenyan Diaspora on how to promote cultural interaction in the mentioned districts.

Kenyans at the meeting appreciated meeting Amb. Makoloo in person and getting together with the diaspora.

𝐂𝐒 𝐍𝐣𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐠'𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐇𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐆𝐦𝐛𝐇 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐆 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐦𝐛𝐇 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭:

On Monday, 19th March 2024, H.E. Amb. Makoloo Maurice and the Embassy staff had the distinct honour of welcoming Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, to the Chancery. Prof. Ndung'u was in Vienna for partnership deliberations with the OPEC Fund.

In collaboration with the AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA NAIROBI, the Embassy sought to augment the Cabinet Secretary's visit by convening discussions with two prominent Austrian companies involved in significant projects in Kenya: UNIHA Wasser Technologie GmbH and STRABAG International GmbH.

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐇𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐤𝐮𝐛𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭:
Mr. Peter Latzelsperger, Managing Director at UNIHA Wasser Technologie GmbH, discussed the #Mokubo Water Treatment Project with Prof. Ndung'u. The prospective project entails the provision of water, sanitation, and a water treatment plant facility to supply an area of 40 km radius around the Mokubo area in Kisii County. UNIHA intend to undertake the project utilizing the provisions of the Kenya-Austria Financial Framework Agreement - which was signed by Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u and Austrian Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Christian Fellner, in August 2023. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the status of the progress of the anticipated project.

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐆 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐦𝐛𝐇: 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Mr. Christian Sadleder, Division Manager for International and Tunnelling at #STRABAG International GmbH, discussed with CS Ndung'u aspects of STRABAG's ongoing contributions to Kenya's infrastructure landscape. With a robust longstanding presence in Kenya, #STRABAG's recent projects include the construction of the Thiba Dam in Kirinyaga County - which has overseen significant increases in yields by rice farmers in Mwea since its completion in 2023. The two discussed outstanding issues and opportunities for strengthened collaboration in the future.

The constructive dialogues with UNIHA Wasser and STRABAG not only highlight the proactive approach adopted by the Mission in advancing its economic and commercial diplomacy, but also pave the way for future collaborations that align with the Government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). With the support of its partners, the Mission intends to continue utilizing such high-level visits to bolster and strengthen collaboration with leading companies in Austria.

cc. ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Martin Woller Ng'endo Njung'e Kenneth Kinyanjui Komu
------
The visit also provided an opportunity for CS Njuguna Ndung'u and the visiting Treasury Team to meet the Embassy staff.