This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On October 25, during Austria National Day celebrations at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Nairobi, Austria's Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Christian Fellner, reflected on the country's enduring bond with Kenya.
Dr. Fellner's remarks were a testament to the special relationship between Austria and Kenya, which has been strengthened by numerous collaborations and shared values.
One notable example of this partnership is the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, where Eliud Kipchoge, a Kenyan athlete, successfully ran a sub-2-hour marathon in Vienna, a feat that has become synonymous with Austrian-Kenyan cooperation.
Dr. Fellner acknowledged Kipchoge's achievement, saying, 'Eliud Kipchoge ran that incredible marathon in my home town Vienna and I'm really proud of that. Although I am not as fast as Mr. Kipchoge, I promise to finish my speech in less than two hours.'
The ambassador also highlighted the high-level Forum Africa-Europe meeting held in Vienna in December 2018, which brought together President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, among other dignitaries.
During the forum, President Kenyatta was presented with a new map of Mount Kenya National Park, developed by the Austrian Alpine Association in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Dr. Fellner noted that the map is 'currently the most accurate map of its kind of the Mount Kenya National Park' and serves as a 'good example of effective cooperation in science and research.'
The ambassador also emphasized the excellent business relations between the two nations, citing their shared membership in the United Nations, environmental protection efforts, and strong tourism sectors.
Dr. Fellner mentioned several joint projects, including the 'Nawiri' Maternal and Child Nutrition program, financed by Austria and the European Union in Siaya county, as well as the UNFPA-UNICEF joint program to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation.
Additionally, the ambassador highlighted the establishment of two Competence Centers for Knowledge Management Service in Nairobi and Kampala, aimed at providing knowledge management services to the public and private sectors.
Dr. Fellner also took a moment to mention the initiative conducted by the Austrian Embassy in Korogocho Slums, Nairobi, where a bakery called Angel's Bakery was set up in July 2015, employing 26 staff members and providing snacks for approximately 2,800 children in the area.
