Kenya / Botswana

The Kenya High Commision in Botswana

Kenya and Botswana established bilateral relations immediately after Botswana achieved her independence in 1966. Initially, Kenya’s High Commission in Lusaka, Zambia was accredited to Botswana. A consulate was opened in December 1997 following a request by the Kenyan Community in Botswana. The Consulate was upgraded to a fully-fledged High Commission in 2001. The core responsibility of the High Commission is to articulate Kenya’s foreign policy, strengthen bilateral relations with Botswana, provide consular services, promote economic and commercial interests, and safeguard Kenya’s national interests. The High Commission is also accredited to the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Brief History About kenya

In 1963, Kenya achieved independence after enduring 70 years of British colonial rule. Kenya which is strategically positioned in the heart of East Africa has Nairobi as its capital city which serves as a major regional, political, economic, and cultural hub in Africa. The Republic of Kenya is a unitary multi-party democratic state. The country has two levels of Government; the National Government and 47 County Governments. The National Government is composed of three distinct branches: The Legislature (Parliament), the Executive and the Judiciary. Kenya is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-racial country where diverse groups coexist peacefully. With more than 40 ethnic groups, the nation’s rich cultural mosaic is celebrated through vibrant music, art, festivals, and traditions forming an essential part of Kenyan life, while Nairobi’s urban culture pulses with contemporary art, film, and fashion. .

Independent Kenya

The first Government of independent Kenya immediately had to deal with some pressing economic and political problems. The priorities were acceleration of growth, Kenyanisation of the economy and redistribution of incomes. None of this, however, could be achieved without political stability, and it was first felt necessary to neutralize those elements in the country who supported extreme policies and who were undermining, rather than building confidence in the new nation. Thus, Kenya embarked on the road to peace and stability, which has made it possible for the country to realize great strides in development.The country has had five Presidents since independence. Upon Jomo Kenyattas death on 22nd August 1978, Daniel arap Moi took over the leadership. He retired on 30th December 2002 in line with a constitutional Provision which limits the Presidential term to a maximum 10 years of 5 years each. This provision took effect in 1991 following the re-introduction of multipartism. Previously Kenya was a single party state.