Friday, September 24, 2010
President Kibaki said that top on the country's reform agenda was the enactment of a New Constitution which was promulgated last month following a successful national referendum.
In his address, Thursday, during the official opening of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York City, President Kibaki affirmed that the new Constitution had injected new vitality and a sense of renewal in the country.
The Head of State noted that Kenya's experience was difficult but expressed optimism that the results of enacting the new Constitution and implementation of far-reaching reforms would have deep and lasting impact in the country.
President Kibaki noted, "When I last addressed the UN General Assembly two years ago, I briefed this august body on the major steps taken by my country to resolve the political difficulties that followed our general elections in December 2007. We have since made tremendous progress in implementing far-reaching reforms that will entrench our institutions of democracy and secure our peace and stability."
The new set of laws establishes fresh governance structures, lays the foundation for stability and economic prosperity thus securing the country's long-term peace and stability, President Kibaki acknowledged.
With regard to peace and security, President Kibaki noted that the security situation in Somalia continued to deteriorate and destabilized not only the entire region's peace but the international peace as well.
President Kibaki observed, "Today, as this Assembly convenes, the security situation in Somalia continues to deteriorate and threaten peace and stability across the entire region and beyond."
He urged the international community not to overlook several existing opportunities to resolve the longstanding conflict because Somalia's security threat to the international security is greater than in any other conflict in the world.
The Head of State noted, "In July of this year, a regional IGAD Summit identified critical elements of engagement and took a number of decisions on the way forward, which were endorsed by the African Union Summit in Kampala. Unfortunately, the support needed to implement these decisions by the international community has not been forthcoming."
The President said that the perceived reluctance by the United Nations Security Council to engage in Somalia has been a matter of great concern for those who suffer the consequences of the conflict adding that the Somalia conflict is an international crisis due to the nature of the crimes being committed.
On the Sudan conflict, President Kibaki said that IGAD had faith that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) held the key to peace and stability in Sudan and the region.
The President said that as the Chair of IGAD both parties to the agreement had assured him of their commitment to resolve outstanding issues and continue with necessary preparations for the referendum scheduled for January 9, 2011.
The Head of State noted that the continued engagenment with the leadership of both the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) was the surest way towards peaceful resolution of the Sudan conflict.
President Kibaki affirmed, "These efforts by the neighbours of Sudan and the African Union have created a momentum that is critical to the full implementation of the CPA. It is critical that the world stands in support of these initiatives as Sudan takes critical steps in relation to its future governance."
With regard to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), President Kibaki confirmed that the Kenya Government has continued to invest more resources toward the attainment of the goals.
The President said, "Two-thirds of the allotted time to achieve these goals has already elapsed and only five years remain. There is no question that the urgency of making greater progress faces all countries, as these goals represent a global commitment for all countries to work together".
He noted that the country had made great strides in education, reducing child mortality and in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Malaria.
In order to accelerate gender equality and women empowerment, the President said that the government had established the necessary legal and policy framework.
The Head of State affirmed that the Government had invested significant resources in pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) thus substantially reducing poverty as well as maternal and child mortality.
Noting that Climate change is a major constrain to national development, President Kibaki said that the government remains committed to green economy so as protect the agricultural sector, on which majority of citizens depend on.
President Kibaki further appealed to the international community to make commitments on critical negotiations on climate change so as to accomplish fruitful conclusion of the debate.
The President observed, "It is with deep concern, therefore, that we note the international community's inability to make headway in the critical negotiations on climate change. It is my hope that the world will recognize the urgency and the importance of bringing to a rapid and fruitful conclusion the climate change negotiations."
The President termed the theme of the Session, "Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance" appropriate and timely.
He further called for the democratization of the UN to ensure the intergovernmental organization remains representative, transparent and accountable to its 192 members.
President Kibaki expressed confidence that through international unity, solidarity, cooperation and commitment, many of the challenges facing the international community would be conquered and urged world leaders to demonstrate the required political will and work for good of all mankind.
In were attendance were cabinet ministers Moses Wetangula, Beth Mugo, Wycliffe Oparanya, Prof Sam Ongeri, Dr Naomi Shaban and other senior government officials.
Source: KBC