JEDDAH, 6 January — Many Saudi non-government organizations are active in Kenya, and their role is "effective and positive," according to Kenyan Ambassador Salim Ibrahim Juma.
Speaking to Arab News during an Eid Al-Fitr function organized by the Kenyan community at La Sani restaurant on Thursday night, the ambassador said "activities of all NGOs from this part of the world are in full swing in his country.
"We welcome them and are happy with them, and thank Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd for encouraging them to play a positive role in our country," the ambassador, who was the chief guest at the event, said.
Among the programs run by NGOs is one which is of immense use to Kenyans performing Haj. With the orientation and education on pilgrimage rituals and the Kingdom's regulations being given to them, they will be better equipped.
The ambassador said Kenya Airways added a third flight to its weekly schedule from Nairobi to Jeddah in Ramadan. "The third flight is a temporary development and will continue until after the Haj," he said, adding that at least 2,000 pilgrims will be flown by the airline for the upcoming Haj. The airline will also be operating Haj charters to transport pilgrims. Aside from Kenyans, many other pilgrims including those from Tanzania, South Africa and East Africa are flown by the airline.
"A high-level goodwill mission will come for the pilgrimage like every year," said the ambassador who was part of his country's Haj delegation in 1996.
There has been a steady growth in Kenya's exports to the Kingdom. The trade balance, however, is in favor of the Kingdom due to its huge oil exports. "We export tea, coffee, mangoes, flowers and many horticultural items to this country," he said.
In a message to the Kenyan community, the ambassador told them to play the role of unofficial ambassadors their country. "You should never forget to respect the law of the land and, as good ambassadors, aim at making positive contribution," he said.
There are about 25,000 Kenyan workers in the Kingdom.
