NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan officials on Friday pledged to boost safety of Chinese nationals living in the country and ensure they contribute to socio-economic transformation agenda in an environment of peace and harmony.
Joseph Boinnet, the Inspector General of National Police Service, said that protection of Chinese expatriates and investors based in Kenya dovetails with Kenya's quest for strong ties with the Asian nation to achieve long-term growth and prosperity.
"I am glad to note that most of your investment interests in the country are complementing with the government's efforts to actualize the Big Four Agenda," said Boinnet in a speech read on his behalf by Joseph Ashmalla, the Deputy Director at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
"For this to be realized, an enabling and secure environment is very critical and that is the core mandate of security organs in partnership with citizens," he added.
Boinnet spoke during a security prevention workshop for Chinese nationals residing in Kenya on Friday.
Rogers Amisi, manager of investor service at Kenya Investment Authority, said he appreciates Chinese investors in Kenya. "The Chinese investors are here creating jobs, transferring technology, and thus helping the government to achieve the Big Four agenda," he said.
Boinnet said Kenyan security personnel are on high alert to contain threats to peace and public safety that include terrorism, robbery with violence and cyber-crimes.
"I wish to therefore assure you that we will at all times strive to protect your investments against all forms of threats which include breakings and pilferage by sometimes dishonest workers as well as counterfeiting of your products," Boinnet told the forum.
He said Kenya has adopted robust policing models that rely heavily on intelligence and technology to boost security and facilitate investments in the country.
Chinese nationals living in Kenya are keen to cooperate with their counterparts in the East Africa's largest economy to boost security that is key to attracting investments.
Aron Chen, the chairman of Hunan Business Association in Kenya, said that enhanced security is critical to facilitate Chinese investments in Kenya and help achieve the country's vision 2030 blue-print on growth and transformation.