Kenyan High Commissioner Prof Julius K. Bitok welcomed hundreds of guests to a celebration of Kenya’s 55th Independence Day on Dec 12.

“The jovial university teacher turned diplomat gave a speech worthy of both his professions,” said a Kenyan guest.

“The chief guest Mohammad Mian Soomro, federal minister for privatisation, was equally at ease representing his country,” a Pakistani guest added. “They both spoke so well, making us all proud.”

The high commissioner emphasised the potential for expansion in trade between the two countries and increase in tourism. He said that Pakistan is the leader in cricket while Kenya has the world’s best long distance runners. The large number of Kenyan students who attended the reception seemed to like that comment.

After the speeches, cake cutting and presentation of a gift to the chief guest, a group of students in Kenyan traditional dress showed off some cultural dances.

“I cannot imagine a real African celebration without dance, music and song,” remarked a foreign diplomat.

Then it was time for the buffet dinner.

“I enjoyed the ujali and irio food, Kenya’s staple food,” said a guest from Kashmir, who explained that he had earlier worked in the fast-growing city of Eldoret in Kenya.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2018