He said the youth are the reason why liberation heroes fought hard for the freedom of African nations and that young people are the reason why African nations exist.
“I call upon African leaders to pay particular attention to the dreams and aspirations of our young people by creating a conducive environment for them to flourish. They are the reason our forefathers fought long and hard for self-determination and they are the reason our free nations exist today,” said Kenyatta.
Kenyatta spoke at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek during celebrations to mark Namibia’s 29th independence day.
The Kenyan leader was the Chief Guest at the ceremony where he was conferred Namibia’s highest award of honour, the Grand Master of the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, by his host President Hage Geingob for his contribution to democracy and good governance.
Kenyatta challenged Africans to work harder to unlock the continent’s economic potential noting that Africa has already charted a roadmap through the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 to accelerate progress towards the “Africa we want”.
He said Kenya remains committed to continue working closely with Namibia and other African nations to realise the goal of a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
“Borders must never be used as an excuse for us to retract back and forget the African spirit of Ubuntu. We remain stronger together,” said Kenyatta.
The President said Kenya and Namibia enjoy close ties which started in the days the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) fought hard to free the nation from the yoke of the apartheid regime.
Kenya also played a major role in ensuring that Namibia had a stable foundation when a large contingent of Kenyan forces, who were part of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG), remained behind after the end of the peace keeping mission.
The Government of Kenya funded the extended stay of its contingent who were tasked to train the Namibia Defence Forces and ensure stability of the country.
“Our shared values and aspirations and our enduring strong historical bonds of brotherhood have continued to grow from strength to strength,” said Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta commended Namibia for its commitment to democracy, good governance and adherence to a rules based international system.