default header
12 March 2008
Ambassador Ranneberger Discusses U.S.-Kenya Relations
Ask America webchat transcript, March 12
Michael Ranneberger, U.S. ambassador to Kenya, discussed U.S.-Kenya relations, focusing on the need for reconciliation in the months and years ahead, in a March 12 Ask America webchat.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
Amb. Michael Ranneberger, U.S. Kenya Relations in the Wake of Kenya’s Political Reconciliation
Guest: Michael Ranneberger
Date: March 12, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT, 1500 Kenya)
Moderator: Welcome to today's discussion with Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. You may begin sending in your questions now. We ask that you submit each question separately. We do see your questions coming in. Thank you!
Members of the press are kindly asked to identify their affiliation when submitting questions.
Moderator: Thank you for joining us today. We will begin shortly.
Question [Kevin2]: Hi Mr Ambassador, My name is Kevin Muchiri from Kenya. I recently moved to the US for my studies. I came on the 19th January, all was not well. Some of my family was affected by the clashes and lost everything in Kericho thus were forced to move out with nothing. This puts me in a tricky situation. I wanted to inquire about scholarships given by your government for such students like me who would like to have their future assured?
Answer [Ambassador Ranneberger]: I have visited some of the areas affected by the violence, and understand your situation. We are starting a program of scholarships for boys in secondary school. Send the details of your situation to me at the Embassy, addressed to me, and noting that you raised them with me during the web chat. I will look into the possibilities, but can make no firm commitment. I wish you well.
Q [Geeska Afrika News Paper]: Dear Ambassador Michael E. Ranneberger: Thank so much for your giving this great chance. I want ask you 3 questions. Many people beleive that US is part of the Kenyan crisis? how far is that true? Thank U Mr. Ambassador
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. did help to solve the crisis. Most of the credit for solving the crisis, however, goes to you and other Kenyans who spoke up and put pressure on the leadership of both sides. The U.S. then exerted pressure in order to support the pressure coming from Kenyans themselves. Now that a political accord has been reached, we will help Kenyans implement it. Kenyans have demonstrated their true democratic spirit and should be proud that they have kept the country on the democratic path!
Q [Geeska Afrika News Paper]: My second question is, did you get any concern from Transitional federal govermnet of Somalia, about the Jendayi Frazer trip to Somaliland? Thank U Mr. Ambassador
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Our goal is to help the Somali people achieve stability and prosperity, and to bring about a transition in 2009 to a democratically elected government. We keep in touch with the government of Somaliland because Somaliland has made progress in developing democracy. That is a good example for all the people of Somalia. The TFG understands this and did not express any concerns about the Frazer trip.
Q [Geeska Afrika News Paper]: My third question is: Does the US goverment have any intention to get military base in Berbera port (Somaliland) Thank U Mr. Ambassador
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: No, we have no intention to establish any military bases in Somalia
Moderator: If you are just joining us, welcome. The Ambassador is now reviewing your questions. There are many questions coming in so we ask for your patience as he prepares answers. Thank you.
Q [james2]: i want to thank you mr. ambassador for sticking to the truth in the matter of the disputed general election. Few people and not many will come out in the open the way you did. i also extend my gratitude to you country USA together with her allies and the rest of the countries that participated to ensure that the kenya people's right to vote is accorded its due respect. it could have been painful if kenyan were told that your vote do not count.
Mr. ambassador, what do you recommend to be done to people who directly triggered violence? my major concern is the commissioners. PNU party was saying over and over again that kenya has laws and that ODM should follow them. MY question is did they themself follow those laws prior to the declaration of kibaki as the winner? why should this people's hands be shaken as if they did not do anything wrong? if it was a poor man like me, l'll be sitting behind bars. it seems that some people are above the law and others aren't.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: No one should be above the law. Those who were involved in organizing, supporting, or perpetrating violence should be prosecuted under the law. We have also made clear that those involved in violence will not be given visas to travel to the U.S. The political accord that was reached provides for electoral reform. There needs to be a complete overhaul of the electoral system so that the problems of the last election will never be repeated.
At the same time, there needs to be a process of reconciliation so that the country can move forward in unity and peace. The Trust, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission that will be set up will help achieve this, and we will support that process.
Q [PC]: Is it safe now for US citizens to take a holiday tour/safari in Kenya? PC
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Yes. We are in the process of revising our travel advisory to make this clear. We want to encourage U.S. tourists to come back to Kenya. There is a great friendship between the American and Kenyan people, so Kenya is a great place in which to take a holiday!
Q [Dave2]: How safe is it to consider retiring and buying a house in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Nyeri? First, how safe is it in terms of security and the possibility of violence brought on by political instability? Secondly, how safe would my investment be if I bought a house there to live in?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: I am very optimistic about the future of Kenya. I believe that Kenyans will turn the crisis they experienced into an historic opportunity for fundmental change. The fact that Kenyans are so friendly toward Americans makes Kenya an attractive place in which to live. I cannot, of course, give you specific investment advice.
Q [wkorir]: Are there provision the support by the Goverenement of USA putting in place to ensure that their support reach the poor and need who were affected by the Post election violence?. and what about small scale CBO who were able to stand the test of post election violence by remaining together even though they have members from different tribles e.g NELBEM KENYA ( www.nelbem.org ).
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: We work hard and have safeguards in place to make sure that our assistance reaches the most needy. We have small-scale micro-enterprise programs to help small businesses. We carry out programs with CBOs to support governance and reconciliation efforts. Our HIV/AIDS programs helps many thousands of poor people, including vulnerable women and orphans. If you are a CBO and interested in working with us, you should submit your proposal to USAID for consideration.
Q [Geeska Afrika News Paper]: If US considers peace and democracy why you don’t give a diplomatic recognition to Somaliland? Thank U Mr. Ambassador
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The status of Somaliland needs to be resolved first by African countries. A number of African countries are considering possible recognition for Somaliland. In order for this to happen, the African Union will have to make a decision regarding recognition. I know that this issue has been discussed within the AU, but it is too early to determine whether Somaliland will gain recognition.
Moderator: To those of you just joining us, welcome. We see your questions coming in. Questions will not appear on this screen until they are answered by the Ambassador. We ask for your patience as he reviews them.
Q [Steve2]: My name is Steve Mbogo. I report for Business Daily.
We have seen a marked interest by the US to restore peace in Kenya. While appreciating roles your country has played in other hotspots across the continent, there was a sense of “urgency” on the part of Washington to see a stable Kenya. Why was this so?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. acts with a sense of urgency in many crises. Kenya is particularly important for the U.S., the African continent, and the developing world. Kenya is an anchor of stability within the Horn of Africa, and has been a model of a stable democracy for the broader developing world. We acted with urgency to help sustain Kenya on its democratic path.
Part of the reason why we and others acted so quickly is that we realized there was a real chance for a rapid positive resolution to the crisis. This was because we saw that the Kenyan people were speaking up to exert pressure on the leadership of both sides. They did this through civil society organization, religious groups, the media, the private sector, and in other ways. It was this "democratic spirit," this pressure from the Kenyan people that was primarily responsible for the peaceful resolution of the crisis. We acted quickly to support this outcry from the Kenyan people. We exerted pressure to complement the pressure coming from within. This resulted in a Kenyan solution to the crisis.
Moderator: The Ambassador continues to review and answer your questions.
Q [Steve2]: Some of the major challenges facing Kenya’s especially in Nairobi are transport and housing. How is your government willing to encourage investments by US companies in these areas particularly helping Kenyans access affordable houses? Are there ideas that your country has successfully applied and can offer to Kenyans especially on development of better human settlements and social infrastructure? 4) What is the value of US military support to Kenya? 5) You recently threatened some leaders of being denied permission to travel to the US. Don’t you think this is a bit patronizing to the country? Why does US believe that such an action may motivate leaders to behave better? 6) According to estimates, Kenya requires about Sh500 billion for reconstruction. How much is your government willing to commit? 7) When will your government allow Kenya Airways to have direct flights to United States? Don’t you believe enabling KQ to fly there will open regular import/export route that will help Kenyan traders?
Ambassador Ranneberger: I'll try to answer these many questions quickly:
1. We are working hard to encourage U.S. investment in Kenya. There have already been some projects to build afforable housing and to support transport.
2. Our experience tells us that development is most effective if carried out through consultation at the local level and by devolving power away from the central government (like our federal structure). Community involvement has been key to the success of our programs to rehabilitate the infrastructure of our inner cities.
3. We carry out a wide range of collaborative programs with the Kenyan military. We do this because the Kenyan military is a highly professional force which provides extensive support for world-wide peacekeeping operations.
4. The threats of visa bans proved highly effective. They made clear that we were aware that various people might have been involved in violence and helped change their behavior. The threat of receiving visa letters made others more cautious and more willing to engage in dialogue and negotiations in order to get a political accord.
5. As a result of the U.S. partnership with Kenya, about $2billion flows from the U.S. to Kenya each year from official and private sources. We have pledged an additional $25 million to help Kenya. We will use this to support implementation of the political accord; to support return of displaced to their homes; to expand governance programs; and to support reconciliation efforts.
6. We have had discussions with the Kenyan government to work out a "safe skies" agreement that would enable Kenyan Airways to fly directly to the U.S. We know that this would be very helpful for the Kenyan economy.
Q [istanmuk]: Could you give me useful web-site for seeking information for applying to a University in U.S.?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: In a few minutes we will be putting up a link on the web chat to the American Educational Advising Center.
Q [Steve2]: What is the value of US military support to Kenya? According to estimates, Kenya requires about Sh500 billion for reconstruction. How much is your government willing to commit?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: See my answer above
Q [Steve2]: You recently threatened some leaders of being denied permission to travel to the US. Don’t you think this is a bit patronizing to the country? Why does US believe that such an action may motivate leaders to behave better?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: see my answer above
Q [Steve2]: When will your government allow Kenya Airways to have direct flights to United States? Don’t you believe enabling KQ to fly there will open regular import/export route that will help Kenyan traders?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: See my answer above
Q [abdiwahab]: this is nuur abdiwahab hashi live in kenya my nationality is somali my wife is in america and even my fristborn still i did not see him so which way can you help me2become my family united?"
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Since I do not know the details of your situation, I cannot advise you. You should contact our consular section for advice on how to proceed.
Q [kjk2]: Greetings, I am Kevin J Kelley, the US correspondent for the Nation Media Group.
Will the US government call for release of the International Republican Institute's exit poll conducted during the Dec 27 voting? Kenyan human rights leaders have urged that the poll be published in the interest of helping ensure accountability for election irregularities.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The poll was not a U.S. Government poll, and so we have no authority to release it. However, it is my understanding that this "exit poll" was part of a training exercise and was never intended for publication.
Moderator: The American Educational Advising Center can be found at: http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/educational_advising.html
Q [shirleen: i want to know more about the USA culture.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: I would say that one of the main characteristics of our culture is that it is so eclectic. By this, I mean that our culture tends to absorb aspects of cultures around the world. That is why America is called a "melting pot." We do have our unique sports and music, and our food. The very strong movie industry in Hollywood is also an important part of our culture. Our culture is also strengthened by many thousands of first-rate universities and museums. We are always open to new ideas.
Q [Chat Participant]: dear Sir, when do you think the US Government will lift the travel advisory?
Regards, Jorum
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Now that the political crisis has been resolved, we are revising our travel advisory to indicate that it is safe to come to Kenya. We will not completely end it, however. We have travel advisories on over 40 countries around the world, including many of our friends.
We know that Kenyans are great friends of Americans. The problem is that the high crime rate in Kenya and potential for terrorist actions means that we have to keep the travel advisory. (By the way, there are actually countries that have travel advisories on the U.S. because of the high crime rate in some of our cities!!)
Moderator: If you are interested in learning more about the U.S., please visit www.America.gov
Q [Chat Participant]: dear Sir, i have not heard of a single project that the USA has initiated in the western kenya especially Maseno area any plans?
Regards, Jorum
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: We do have many projects in Western Kenya, including a lot of HIV/AIDS efforts. Last year I visited Maseno University and spoke with students there. USAID can provide more details for you on precisely which programs we have in that region.
Q [Chat Participant]: We know the US has said that things can not be "business as usual" in Kenya: how has this and will this effect the health sector and donor programs like PEPFAR?
How much funds is the US government going to allocate to rebiuld the health institutions that were affected by the skirmishes, especially in Rift Valley?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Now that the political crisis has been resolved, we have resumed "business as usual." Part of the additional $25 million that we have pledged will be used to help rebuild health institutions. PEPFAR has resumed all programs and will also help with this, particularly in affected areas.
Q [Chat Participant]: This is press: KenyaImagine (Kenyan Online Magazine).
Our magazine had recently covered the ambassador's speech, and a vivid but rather critical discussion ensued; the speech was seen negatively, see e.g. the long analysis of Vitalis Oyudo. http://www.kenyaimagine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1228&Itemid=141
On behalf of the board of editors of www.KenyaImagine.com, I wish to ask the ambassador:
1. Why would he be misassessing the potential role of a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission", when in Kenya the necessary and indispensible institutional precondition for such a *alternative* commission - unlike in South Africa or Argentina - are not present?
Thanks,
Alexander Eichener
(Editor, KenyaImagine)
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: There are a lot of garbles in the question above, but let me just say that my speech was extremely well-received. I have received many, many comments that I hit the right note. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is important to help promote reconciliation. This must be balanced with the fact that those responsible for violence must be dealth with according to the law.
Q [Chat Participant]: This is press: KenyaImagine (Kenyan Online Magazine).
On behalf of the board of editors of www.KenyaImagine.com, I wish to ask the ambassador:
2. Are the United States of America prepared and willing to employ the very effective political instument of visa denials to a wider - in our Kenyan opinion, much needed! - extent, and are they prepared to evenly and extend this not only to some well-known culprits in the government (James Michuki e.g. launders money in the USA; using a commercial straw operation of his daughter), but also to criminals among the opposition leaders, several of which have by now been credibly imputed not only with grand corruption (e.g. Sally Kosgei), but also with participation in crimes aainst and against humanity (William Ruto)?
Thanks,
Alexander Eichener
(Editor, KenyaImagine)
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Before the crisis began, we had denied visas to a number of persons involved in grand-scale corruption. We will not issue visas to those who are involved in violence.
Moderator: As we approach the end of our scheduled webchat, we'll take your final questions now.
Q [Chat Participant]: How can the US assist some of the staff who have been displaced who are working under PEPFAR programs in Nyanza under CDC/KEMRI?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: We are working on this, and I consider it an important priority. I do not have all the details, but you can contact PEPFAR and CDC.
Q [Chat Participant]: How can the US assist some of the staff who have been displaced who are working under PEPFAR programs in Nyanza under CDC/KEMRI?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: see previous answer
Moderator: We wish to thank Ambassador Ranneberger for joining us today. The webchat is now closed.
A full transcript of today's webchat will be available on our Ask America homepage usually within one business day.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
