Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Praises President Uhuru's Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised President Uhuru's leadership, noting that he is following the footsteps of founding President Mzee Kenyatta in cooperation with Israel.

Speaking during a luncheon at State House in Nairobi hours after President Kenyatta's swearing in on Tuesday, Netanyahu pledged that Israel will corporate with Kenya in fighting drought, terrorism, and improve the quality of export cash crops.

“I want you to know that Israel is your partner in achieving those goals here in Kenya and everywhere in Africa. We believe in Africa. We believe in Kenya. We believe in our friendship. This is something that we translate into actual projects,” said Mr Netanyahu.

On a continental front, the PM asked President Kenyatta and other African leaders to promote Israel to an observer status at the African Union. About Eleven African Presidents attended the fete.

“Thank you Uhuru for your leadership, thank you for friendship and as we say for ages next year in Jerusalem you are all invited,” said the Israeli PM.

“I have been told a few weeks ago that the United States has asked Israel to be a partner in Power Africa. We would like to work with you and every one of your countries to electrify Africa. We believe in Africa. So for every one of your initiatives there will be an initiative on our part to seize the future to make life better and safer for your people,” he added.

Netanyahu also assured the African leaders of Israel's commitment to helping Africa to fight extremists groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab.

“This is a threat to all of us and I believe that we can cooperate with other countries, between us and with others and if we work together we will defeat the barbarians. Our people deserve better, we can provide it for them,” Netanyahu said.

“I hope that we all find a way to have Israel become an observer status in the African Union because we can help, we cannot only observe but we can help build together a better future for Africa,” said Mr Netanyahu.

“This is my third visit to Africa and second to Kenya, we believe in the future of Africa, we love Africa and I would like very much not only to cooperate but also with the African Union,” said the PM.