Israel will support Kenya’s agricultural development – PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday re-affirmed his government’s support for Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi after holding talks with his host President Uhuru Kenyatta, Netanyahu said that Israel will help Kenya in areas of water de-salinization and irrigation as well as modern farming technologies.

“There is a rising tide in Africa and a rising tide lifts all ships,” said the Israeli leader.

On his part, President Kenyatta welcomed the move saying that the future of Kenya-Israeli partnership is bright and will bring more development and improved security for Kenyans.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is the first incumbent Head of Israel’s government to visit Kenya and it is also his first tour of Africa.

Netanyahu was welcomed to State House, Nairobi with an elaborate state reception with security taking precedence.

The national anthems of Kenya and Israel were played, rounded off by a 21-gun salute in a traditional ceremony reserved for visiting Heads of State and government.

The Israel Prime Minister then inspected a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Airforce.

The two finally flagged off 117 Kenyan students to Israel to undertake various courses.

Netanyahu started his four-day African trip in Uganda Monday and will head to Rwanda Wednesday before ending his tour in Ethiopia on Thursday.