Mars Group Blog

Ambassador Ranneberger, United States Ambassador to Kenya took online questions on Wednesday 12th August 2009.  This is an extract of the webchat.

Question: Apart from AGOA what is your Government doing to improve trade between Kenya and the US?

Ambassador Ranneberger: AGOA is the main focus of our efforts to expand trade.  Trade has expanded from $55 million 6 years ago to over $250 million.  One key issue is that to expand trade there must also be greater foreign investment from the U.S. and other countries.  The reason Kenya has not benefitted from more investment is due to the problem of corruption and lack of political reform.  Economic development and implementation of the reform agenda are closely linked. That is one reason why we are insisting on implementation of the reform agenda.

  Question: Hi, Kenya has had Many Challanges, and US being a partner, what we suffer from is lack of Leadership. Is there a programme through the USA embassy that can train the youth on leadership?

Ambassador Ranneberger: I agree that Kenya suffers from lack of dynamic leadership.  That is why we are working so much to encourage youth to exert leadership to push for implementation of reforms.  I have been holding town hall meetings with youth throughout Kenya.  We in fact already have extensive programs to help encourage and train young people to be leaders.  I am greatly encouraged by the emergence of genuine grassroots youth leaders across the country.  Youth must play a key role in pushing for reforms. Secretary Clinton made this clear when she was in Kenya. 

Question : do you think that Obama having Kenyan roots will in one way or another influence the political and economic  orientations of Kenya

Ambassador Ranneberger: President Obama cares deeply about Kenya.  That is why he is urging the Kenyan government and people to implement the reform agenda.  In the speech he gave at the U. of Nairobi in 2006 he urged young people to be active in pushing for change.  His direct involvement in supporting change in Kenya emphasizes the importance the U.S. attaches to this and makes clear to Kenyan leaders that they must act.  When Secretary Clinton was here she made clear that President Obama is following the situation in Kenya very closely.

Question: I had a question with regards to getting contact information for Al Gore? We are currently looking at doing a documentary about the deforestaton of the Mau forest and would like to get in touch with him. Thank you.

Ambassador Ranneberger: Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is author of the best-selling Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit, a treatise on the environmental problems which threaten the Earth’s survival. He is a visiting professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, one of the most prestigious schools of journalism in the United States and could be contacted through the university. His contact information is:  Columbia University School of Journalism, 1303 North Filmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.

Question: in Kenya when one attains 18 yrs old, he or she is required to have an ID card . do these exist in America?

Ambassador Ranneberger: The de facto official identification card for adults in all states is the driver’s license. The minimum age you can obtain a ‘regular’ driving licence varies from 14 in some states such as South Dakota to 17 in Minnesota and New Jersey. However, in the majority of states it’s 16.

Question: Good after noon all. My names are Bernard Mulwa from Nairobi. I am a freelance journalist and I want to take this opportunity to ask the Ambassador Mr Ranneberger one question in regard to the way the Kenya Governmet is conducting its affairs. Its sad to note that there are so many areas that are left unatteded to What are you doing about this and finally please can you explain why are you and your Government is not taking serious maasures to send the perpetrators of the post election to the Hague and not the lacal tribunal. We don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense from these leaders I am just tired of seeing them making noise every day. Take a serious action and put them behind bars or ells a repeat to what happened in 2008 will reoccur

Ambassador Ranneberger: We are greatly disappointed that the leaders of the coalition government are not implementing reforms quickly enough, and that they are not showing leadership on some other key issues.  As President Obama and Secretary Clinton have said, we want to help Kenyans move forward, but we cannot do so unless Kenya’s leaders and the Kenyan people demonstrate the will to do so.  We are insisting that the perpetrators of post-election violence be held accountable.  It is better if Kenyans take responsibility to do this by establishing a truly independent Special Tribunal in Kenya.

Ambassador Ranneberger: This would be an important step in fighting against the culture of impunity.  If the Kenyan government fails to do this, however, we will support action by the International Criminal Court.  The ICC already has the list of suspects from Kofi Annan will act if Kenyans do not.

Question: Thanks I had put my question – but let me put it again. I work for a US based organisation in Somalia Peace Program. USA has just doubled its military aid to Somalia. How will USA ensure that this does not fall into the hands of Shabaab if (God forbid) TFG collapses.

Ambassador Ranneberger: On Somalia, we are supporting the legitimate government of President Sheikh Sharif.  We are providing funding and other support.  We have a mechanism in place to ensure that these funds and all of support is accountable and does not fall into the hands of the Shabaab.

Question: Ambassador what was the low point of your tenure in Kenya and what was the high point? 

Ambassador Ranneberger: Hard to identify a low point.  I am greatly enjoying my time in Kenya.  The Kenyan people are very friendly and intelligent and it has been a pleasure to deal with them, even during difficult times.  I was inspired that, doing the crisis last year, the Kenyan people eventually came together to support a practical political solution.  We and Kofi Annan helped, but Kenyans did it.  That was certainly a high point.  The visits of Secretaries Rice and then Clinton were other high points. 

Question: I like your style of work and the high profiled visits that your countrymen and women are making to Kenya

Ambassador Ranneberger: But perhaps the best moments I have had in Kenya have been during my numerous trips throughout the country to hold town hall meetings with young people.  The fact that young people are increasingly assertive in pushing for fundamental change gives me great hope for the future of Kenya.

Question: how are the US ambassaders appointed. is on their political allegiance to the ruling party or is the office open for anybody with the required credentials. still onthe same, if they work as civil servants; do they have age limit?

Ambassador Ranneberger: Most U.S. Ambassadors, like me, are career officials.  We are appointed by the President based on our performance records.  The age limit for all U.S. civil servants to retire is 65.

Question: Please explain a bit about the Greencard as used in USA.

Ambassador Ranneberger: “Green card” is the nickname (because of the color) of the United States Permanent Resident Card, an identification document issued by the United States of America affording non-citizens of that country some of the rights its citizens enjoy, sometimes with the prospect of naturalization.  The United States Government issues 55,000 permanent resident cards (Green Cards) every year through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. Applicants are selected randomly by a computer-generated drawing. If selected, the main applicant, spouse, and all unmarried children under 21 years of age will have a chance to apply for permanent resident status in the United States.

Ambassador Ranneberger: More information may be found at:  www.uscis.gov/greencard

Ambassador Ranneberger: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html

Ambassador Ranneberger: www.dvlottery.state.gov/

Question: Mr Ambassador, do you have an action plan on pressing our government to embrace reforms?

Question: how can genuine students obtain visas to study; what are the main requirements apart from an I-20?

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): If you are interested in studying or working in the U.S. visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html. For Kenya-specific visa questions please visit the website for the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/visas.html.

Ambassador Ranneberger: We will continue to press the government to carry out the reforms.  Our plan is straightforward:  encourage and support the Kenyan people to exert pressure on the government to implement the reforms.  This is because the reform process must be domestic-driven.  We are in close touch with civil society, the private sector, religious groups, and the media.  We want to complement these Kenyan efforts by also exerting pressure.  We continue to suppor the involvement of Kofi Annan as well.  Kenya is a democracy, and pressure coming from the Kenyan people, with our support, will bring about fundamental change.

Question: What is the US governments stand on the TJRC what has been recently formed by the Kenya government?

Ambassador Ranneberger: We agree that having a TJRC can be useful in helping to promote national reconciliation.  However, the TJRC should not be used to investigate and try perpetrators of post-election violence.  That would not be credible.  A local independent Special Tribunal is needed for that purpose.

Question : Is their a section in the embassy that helps US companies based in Kenya do business in the region given how corruption is rampant? Also can the embassy provide leads?

Ambassador Ranneberger: We have a Commercial Section that helps both Kenyan and American countries. I’ll ask the moderator to please post a link.

Question: we are young people interested in bringing change in this country are willing to support the youth by all means

Question: USA is not a signatory to the Statute of the ICJ. Dont you think that this fact kind of makes it difficult for the USA to ask the ICJ to preside over human rights abuses and impunity? Further, USA is always talking about democracy and human rights. How can it do so if it will not be enjoined in the enfircement of human rights especially when this relates to its armed forces.

Ambassador Ranneberger: The United States is not a perfect democracy.  Democracy is always a work in progress.  One of our strengths, however, is that we respect the rule of law and have strong institutions.  For example, as a result of decades of struggle, we have made progress on civil rights.  We exposed abuses of the armed forces in Iraq and other places, and we have held the perpetrators accountable.  We do not seek to preach or to impose our system of government.  However, we do support universal human rights.  This is why we insist that the perpetrators of post-election violence be held accountable. 
Ambassador Ranneberger: Most importantly, in doing this we are only reflecting what the Kenyan people want to see.  Although we are not a signatory to the ICC, we do support having the ICC take action if the Kenyan government fails to do so.

Question: Hi your Excellency, Kenyans are feeling Cooked by the Govt. There is the looming food crisis, energy crisis including power rationing, water crisis, leadership crisis, political crisis, crisis crisis and more crisis. Where do you the country steering to? Don’t you think Kenya is on a brink of becoming a failed state?

Ambassador Ranneberger: I believe that Kenya has a great future if/if Kenya’s leaders demonstrate true leadership by taking the bold decisions necessary to deal with all the issues you mention.  Kenyans are smart people and will support their leaders if they do so.  Fundamental change and implementation of the reform agenda are essential to avoid in 2012 a repeat or worse of the crisis during 2008.  The Kenyan people have a responsibility — as Secretary Clinton said — to push for change and reforms.  We stand by the side of the Kenyan people. 

Question: Is it possible Mr Ambassador to pressurise the Kenyan government to open its border with somalia? Already 8 Pakistani were murdered in Puntland yesterday night.

Ambassador Ranneberger: Regarding the two questions on Somalia.  We are urging the Kenyan government to open its border so that legitimate Somali refugees can enter Kenya.  We are also working with the Kenyan authorities to ensure that this is done in a way which protects Kenya’s security.  We are working hard to encourage the international community to support the legitimate government of President Sheikh Sharif.  This is the best way to eventually restore peace and normalcy.  In the meantime, we are the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to the Somali people.

Question:  In Accra, Ghana the US President Barrack Obama speaking directly to Africans pledged the Support of the United States to responsible individuals and Institutions and to isolate those who are not responsible. How is your Embassy in Nairobi going to Partner with the Citizens who are alive to their responsibilities and working hard to bring about Democratic Change, Transparency, Accountability and ending Impunity in Kenya? How can they access such support?

Ambassador Ranneberger: We are working hard to support the Kenyan people to bring about change.  We are supporting civil society groups and grassroots youth organizations, for example.  We are helping with capacity-building.  Perhaps most importantly, we are speaking out to make clear our support for Kenyans’ efforts to push for change.  We have made clear that we will not do business as usual with those officials who do not support reform or who support violence.  You will see that we will take specific steps against such individuals as necessary.  Kenyans can seek support by sending requests to our Embassy, and then we will be in touch.

Question:  Why is it so hard to obtain a student visa to the U.S even if one is genuine?

Ambassador Ranneberger: It is not hard to get a student visa.  In fact, more than 8,000 Kenyans are studying in the U.S., more than from any other country in Sub-Sahara Africa!

Question: Bw Ambassador., Americans are very patriotic. How can we instil this sense of nationalism in our country which I believe would reduce the rampant corruption across all classes. How did America do it?

Ambassador Ranneberger: Americans have a strong sense of national identify going back hundreds of years.  Our inclusive democratic institutions and open economic system encourage participation.  Despite that, we have struggled to fully appreciate the importance of diversity.  The civil rights struggle is a good example:  African-Americans struggled to gain full rights in our country; eventually as a result of our strong institutions and open system, they made great progress.  Fully appreciating that harnassing diversity is key to strength has been one of the keys to American patriotism.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): We will be holding a post-AGOA event with the ADF (U.S. Africa Development Foundation) in the next 2 weeks. We will post details on the CO.NX Facebook site as soon as we get it. http://co-nx.state.gov

Ambassador Ranneberger: Kenyans must struggle to understanding that their country will only achieve true greatness if they harness their diversity and learn to live together in peace to advance the good of all.  That is key to building a stronger sense of national identity and patriotism, and stronger democratic institutions.  If you ask an American who she/he is, they will respond (1) first I am an American (2) second, I am from such and such a state; (3) only third or even fourth would they say I am Italian-American or from some other group!  I have great confidence that Kenyans will move in this direction, but

Ambassador Ranneberger: this will take time.  It took hundreds of years for us to get to the point where President Obama could be elected.  In the meantime, it is key that Kenyans carry out reforms (constitutional and other) so that competition among groups can be managed and so that the good of everyone can be protected.  Finally, education is key to building a sense of national identity and patriotism.  Kenya needs more effective civic education in primary and secondary schools.

Question:  Good afternoon.In your opinion, do you think TJRC is going to be of any significance or will it be just another scheme to get people rich for nothing like the Goldenberg commission?

Ambassador Ranneberger: I think that the TJRC can be useful in promoting national reconciliation.  However, in order to do so it will need strong support from the Kenyan government and the Kenyan people.  Separately, there must be more effective action against corruption and impunity.  The TJRC is only one element of a broader reform process.

Question:  Is there a way in which the US can support Kenyan media practitioners in the diaspora to be on the forefront of the democratisation process in the country and lastly, politics aside, can President Obama visit Kenya and meet Kenyans who were over joyed by his election?

Ambassador Ranneberger: I think you raise a very important point about the diaspora.  Young Kenyans need to reach out to the Kenyan diaspora to play a greater role in promoting change and reform in Kenya.   When President Obama went to Ghana and not to Kenya a cartoon in one of the newspapers showed a picture of the President’s aircraft flying over Kenya, with President Kibaki and PM Odinga starring up at it.  There was a note floating down to them that read:  get your act together; signed Barack Obama.  That’s the message!

Ambassador Ranneberger: I look forward to continuing these web chats as a means of communicating directly with the Kenyan people.  I would welcome any ideas which people may have regarding how to expand such communication. 

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Thanks to everyone who sent in questions and participated today. Ambassador Ranneberger received over 200 questions so he couldn’t get to them all in his one hour. Please post your questions in this forum and he will see them. Once again thanks to you all.

CO.NX Moderator (Mark): Thank you everyone. Please write to us at conx@state.gov for information on upcoming webchats.

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