At the invitation of the German Bundestag (parliament), Seven Members of the Kenyan Parliament made a successful official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany between Friday, 19th and Friday, 26th September, 2008.

The delegation was led by Hon. Yusuf Kifuma Chanzu of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Other Members of delegation were Hon. Silas Ruteere Muriuki of the Mazingira Party, Hon. Lukas Kigen Kipkorir (ODM), Hon. Samuel Kambi Kazungu of the Party of National Unity (PNU), Hon. John Ng´ongo Mbadi (ODM), Hon. Maison Leshoomo (PNU) and Hon. Nemesyus Warugongo (PNU).

The delegation was received at Stuttgart Airport by H.E. Mr. H. Mutuma Kathurima and Embassy officials. Amongst the key Officials they met in the State of Baden-Württemberg were the following:

1. Mr Patrick Meinhardt, MP (FDP) Chair of the East Africa Group of German Parliamentarians
2. His Lordship Mr. Wolfgang Gerstner (CDU), Lord Mayor of the City of Baden-Baden

After the tour of Stuttgart, the Members of Parliament visited the City of Berlin where they conferred with Ms. Dr. h.c. Susanne Kastner (SPD), Deputy Speaker of the Deutsche Bundestag (German Parliament)

In addition, the MPs held discussions with Chairmen of the various Committees of the German Parliament who included:

1. Ms. Petra Bierwirth, MP (SPD), Chair of the Committee on Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
2. Mr. Otto Fricke, MP (FDP), Chair of the Budget Committee
3. Ms. Dr. Martina Bunge, MP (DIE LINKE.), Chair of the Committee on Health
4. Ms. Prof. Herta Däubler-Gmelin, MP (SPD), Chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid
5. Ms. Marlene Mortler, MP (CDU/CSU), Chair of the Committee on Tourism
6. Ms. Ulrike Höfken, MP (Green Party), Chair of the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection

The MPs also met various senior Government officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FFO) and the Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ). They were also received by representatives of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

As part of their familiarisation, the Members were conducted on a guided tour of the Deutsche Bundestag. They also attended a plenary session of Parliament.

Apart from exchanging views and sharing experiences, the discussions provided a forum for the visiting MPs to explain to their counterparts, the formation and vitality of Kenya’s Grand Coalition. In view of the peace and stability that Kenya had regained, the Members of Parliament appealed for increased numbers of German tourists to visit Kenya. They also convincingly highlighted a variety of opportunities for investments and trade in ICT, infrastructure, energy and agriculture.

The visit created better understanding between the Kenyan and German Parliamentarians which is an important aspect of deepening our bilateral relations. The visit also gave an opportunity for the Members of Parliament to familiarise themselves with the operations of the German Parliament and also brief their colleagues on the operations of the Kenyan Parliament.

It is hoped that through this interaction, a Kenya–German Parliamentary Friendship Group will emerge.

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