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Q: Kenya is famous for its variety of wild animals. How does Kenya's government reconcile economic development with the protection of its wildlife?
A: Since tourism is the No 1 income earner for Kenya, the government has no option but to promote its wildlife and protect it. Wildlife is a big source of tourism, and our law forbids shooting of animals, there is no sports hunting of animals, ivory is forbidden as a trade in Kenya. In all, Kenya has done well in wildlife protection, because it is a mainstay of Kenya's economy.
Q: China has chosen Kenya to establish its first Confucius Institute in Africa. Is it popular there?
A: It is of great importance. In fact, there is not one but two Confucius Institutes in Kenya – one in University of Nairobi, the other in Kenyatta University. The Confucius Institutes promote the Chinese language and culture among local people, especially students, helping them better understand China, and enjoy much popularity in Kenya.
Q: Kenya is an important partner of China in East Africa. Would Your Excellency give your views on the new strategic partnership between China and Kenya?
A: Kenya admires China's policy of not interfering in another country's internal affairs, and Kenya believes that good neighborliness is a good element in foreign policy. We wish to continue cooperating with China and hope that the Chinese government and companies will be able to invest not only in big projects, such as in the power sector, but also assist Kenya's small industries to flourish. We want to follow the Chinese example of ensuring everybody has a specialization. For example, Guangzhou specializes in furniture and household articles, Chongqing in motorcycles. Kenya would like to develop in the same way. Furthermore, China offers credits to African countries, and we hope we are able to use this money not just for big projects but also for small ones.
Q: What does Your Excellency expect the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to achieve?
A: This is a great forum. President Hu Jintao established the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006, providing a good opportunity for Africa. A number of commitments were made and most of them have been fulfilled, and I am sure that the rest will be fulfilled very soon. I hope that the upcoming Forum in Egypt will be a good period to review how far we have come, and how much more there is to cover.
Q: You Excellency has been at the center of Kenya-China relations through your ambassadorial position in Beijing for seven months. What is your impression of the Chinese people?
A: Chinese people are very friendly, always inviting us to diplomatic activities. I think China has good policies for foreigners that make us feel very warm. And Chinese people love to work, which is something that our people need to learn. The work ethic in China is very good, and everybody wants to make a difference. You won't find a small group of lazy people just sitting down, waiting for god to help them. I think Chinese people have a strong spirit to work. I also find that the Chinese people are very adventurous.
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