President William Ruto on Thursday, August 20, bid farewell to Austrian Ambassador to Kenya Christian Fellner, whose eight-year tour of duty in the country has come to an end.The farewell ceremony was held at State House in Nairobi, where Ruto commended the outgoing envoy for his contribution to strengthening relations between Kenya and Austria during his tenure.
Ruto noted that the two countries have continued to deepen their diplomatic and trade ties through cooperation in several areas of mutual interest.
Among the sectors highlighted by the President were overseas employment, renewable energy, agriculture and technology.
According to Ruto, the growing partnership has created opportunities for both countries while strengthening cooperation in areas that directly contribute to economic development and improved livelihoods.
The President also expressed appreciation to Austria for its role in creating employment opportunities for Kenyan professionals.
He specifically thanked the Austrian government for recruiting 100 Kenyan nurses, describing the development as an important step in expanding opportunities for skilled Kenyans abroad.
Ruto said Kenya intends to increase the number of professionals securing employment opportunities in Austria.
To support this effort, the government plans to strengthen the teaching of foreign languages at Kenya Medical Training College centres, enabling more nurses to meet the requirements needed to work in Austria and other international destinations.The President’s remarks highlighted government’s continued focus on expanding overseas employment opportunities for Kenyan workers while ensuring they have the necessary skills and qualifications.
Ambassador Fellner’s departure marks the end of an eight-year diplomatic assignment in Kenya, during which relations between Nairobi and Vienna continued to develop across various sectors.