Pandemic no hindrance to Kenya, Netherlands ties
By People Daily, April 27, 2021Maarten Brouwer
What my first year as an ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya has shown me is that, in the midst of a global pandemic that has presented enormous challenges to people’s health and livelihoods, it is the online space and virtual interactions that have become more important than ever.
Even in an era of online diplomacy, Kenya and the Netherlands have managed to further strengthen economic ties.
Last month, the Netherlands Central Bureau for Statistics launched a report showing trade between Kenya and the Netherlands is ever increasing. Goods exported by Kenya to the Netherlands increased from Sh51.5 billion in 2015 to Sh61.8 billion in 2020.
With 60 active Dutch subsidiaries, Kenya is in the top three countries in Africa with the highest number of Dutch subsidiaries. The subsidiaries generated a revenue of Sh34.5 billion.
The Netherlands is the largest export market for Kenyan products in Europe and the leading destination for Kenya’s cut flowers, vegetables and fruits.
The Netherlands is also one of the few European countries with a trade balance heavily skewed in Kenya’s favour.
In recognition of the growing importance of the digital economy, the Netherlands is investing in the enhancement of digital infrastructure in Kenya.
PAIX Data Centres headquartered in Amsterdam has received a loan facility of Sh256 million from the Dutch government to support its PAIX data centre expansion in Kenya.
In close cooperation with Kenyan stakeholder, the investment will help contribute to employment in the Kenyan technology sector and build on Kenya’s strong digital infrastructure.
In this context, I’m also very conscious of the so-called “digital divide”, the distinction between people who do and do not have access to information and communication technologies.
The Netherlands, therefore, launched the Digital Agenda for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation with plans to address this divide in our development cooperation programmes. During this Covid pandemic, tackling the digital divide is ever more relevant as many do not have access to technologies or can’t resort to online interactions.
Next to economic relations, Kenya and the Netherlands continue to jointly work towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Annually, the Netherlands contributes over Sh10 billion in development assistance to Kenya. We work on people to people contact and cooperation with civil society organisations in both countries. In addition, we partner with the private sector and the Kenyan government.
A highlight of my first year as an ambassador has been Kenyan-Dutch cooperation in the promotion of sustainable green growth, much of it taking place in the digital space.
At the Climate Adaptation Summit organised online by the Netherlands earlier this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta called for concerted global efforts in addressing climate change.
He affirmed Kenya’s commitment to implement global climate change adaptation initiatives. Transitioning to a circular economy is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
It was CS for Environment and Forestry, Keriako Tobiko, who virtually participated in the online World Circular Economy Forum + Climate hosted in the Netherlands 10 days ago who said “circularity starts with our own household”. I agree.
Today, April 27, marks King’s Day in the Netherlands and the birthday of our Head of State, His Royal Highness King Willem-Alexander.
King’s Day is our national day of unity and on the occasion the King is virtually visiting the city of Eindhoven. Everyone is welcome to join.
While I do cherish all the online interactions, some things can’t be done virtually.
The digital reality is no replacement for the physical reality. For instance, Eliud Kipchoge needs actual feet on the ground in the Netherlands to win the NN Mission Marathon held in Twente Airport just over a week ago.
I do hope the digital marathon that has in many ways become exemplary of the Covid pandemic will come to an end soon.
For the coming years in Kenya I aim to contribute to building back better from the pandemic and meeting as many people as I can physically.
Then, hopefully, this day next year we can also celebrate King’s Day as we should: united and in person with our Kenyan and Dutch partners. — The writer is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya