Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, concluded his visit to Belgium and Germany with a reflective walk at the Englischer Garden in Munich, Germany.
Gachagua emphasized the significance of this visit, marking the end of what he termed as a highly successful working trip that aimed to champion the cause of Kenya's hardworking coffee farmers on the international stage.
"Another moment of nourishing the mind and soul at the inspiring Englischer Garden (English Garden), at the State of Bavaria in Munich, Germany," Gachagua expressed.
"Today's walk was significant as it marks the end of our highly successful working visit of Belgium and Germany where we made a strong case for our hardworking coffee farmers; they will soon reap the fruits of agreements we signed," he added.
Also joining them on this memorable stroll were Valerie Rugene, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy, and two prominent Kenyan residents living in Germany, Caroline Kigira and David Muraga. Muraga's son was also part of the exercise.
"My Spouse, H.E Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, a walk enthusiast, our Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy Valerie Rugene, two great Kenyans living in Germany, Ms Caroline Kigira, Mr David Muraga, and his wonderful son, joined me in the exercise," Gachagua shared.
Gachagua announces Ksh11.5B grant by EU
During his visit to Belgium, the second in command announced that the Kenyan government had been granted 11.5 billion for developmental projects.
"This evening, at the Global Gateway Forum 2023, in Brussels, Belgium, Kenya received a grant of 72 Million Euros (Ksh11.5 Billion) from the European Union under the Multiannual Action Plan 2023-2024. This is under the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instruments. The money will fund the implementation of priority projects under 1. The Green Transition- Environmental Sustainability and Resilience 2. Leave No One Behind- Human Development and Digital Inclusion 3. Democratic Governance, Peace and Stability," Gachagua stated.
Gachagua embarked on a journey to Brussels, Belgium alongside his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, on Tuesday, October 24.
Their purpose was to stand in for President William Ruto at the Global Gateway Forum, an event hosted by the European Commission.
During the trip, Gachagua made time to connect with Kenyan citizens residing in the Belgian Diaspora.
He highlighted the critical role played by the Kenyan Diaspora in the country's economy, acknowledging their substantial contributions.
"The Kenyan Diaspora is an important component of our economy. We are working with host States to improve their working environment through friendly policies and other structural and operational interventions," Gachagua stated.
Furthermore, he stressed the government's dedication to actively involving Kenyan expatriates for their input.
"In this regard, we constantly engage with Kenyans living abroad for informed feedback. This evening, in Brussels, Belgium, I held insightful engagements with Kenyans in the Belgium Diaspora. They shared their concerns for redress. We will endeavour to work with them through the available frameworks for a better environment as they work hard for the benefit of our Nation," he asserted.
Kenya signs coffee deal with Java company
While on his international visit, Kenya secured a groundbreaking agreement with the Java Coffee Company in Rotselaar, Belgium.
According to Gachagua, this deal holds the potential to significantly empower Kenyan coffee farmers and revolutionize the nation's coffee industry.
He highlighted that this agreement focuses on supporting small-scale farmers, placing a significant emphasis on empowering women within the coffee sector.
Gachagua hailed the deal as a historic milestone resulting from Kenya's continuous efforts in reforming its coffee industry.
