2006 Speeches
Statement by Michael E. Ranneberger Regarding His Trip to the Coast
September 25, 2006
After less than two months in Kenya, I am delighted to be making my first visit to Coast Province. I am going there as part of my visits throughout the country to learn about the issues facing Kenya, and to become acquainted with its rich culture and history. During these visits I look forward to constructive, frank dialogue with Kenyan officials, representatives of civil society, the private sector, and ordinary citizens.
The United States and Kenya share a strong bilateral partnership that is mutually beneficial. This partnership is based on shared democratic values, a highly effective joint effort to combat disease and poverty, common concerns to combat insecurity, and shared objectives to end conflict and promote stability in the strategic Horn of Africa region.
I am confident that Kenya's commitment to an inclusive democratic system embracing the array of ethnic groups, Christians and Muslims, rich and poor, will continue and deepen. This will enable all Kenyans to enjoy a future of freedom and prosperity.
The partnership between the United States and Kenya is evident in the extensive U.S. efforts on the coast to help bolster education, to help strengthen civil society organizations, and to support local communities trying to better their way of life. In addition to millions of dollars in programs to combat HIV/AIDS and to promote development, the following examples of activities carried out during the past year demonstrate the strong engagement of the United States:
$35,000 for scholarships to the Madrasa Resource Centre
$55,000 for scholarships to the Nairobi Muslim Academy
$73,000 for scholarships to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan School
$6,527 for scholarships to the Waa Girl's Secondary School
$19,580 for scholarships to the Waa Boy's Secondary School
$23,500 for scholarships to the Ummul Qura Education Center
$25,000 for the Lamu Cultural Festival
$14,000 to construct reading room for Muslim Education & Welfare Assn.