UNESCO picks former President Kibaki as special envoy for water

Former President Kibaki has been nominated as UNESCO’s special envoy for water in Africa.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said this signifies Kenya’s leadership in taking forward the values and objectives of the organisation.

She said Kibaki was one of the first African leaders to clearly grasp the importance of the water agenda – to promote universal access to water through integrated management.

And President Uhuru Kenyatta has returned to the country after state visits to France and Germany to deepen bilateral relations.

While in Paris, the President oversaw the signing of bilateral agreements between Kenya and France worth Sh28 billion.

He met President Francois Hollande and French government ministers and discussed how to strengthen trade relations and cooperation in security matters. Kenyatta also witnessed the signing of an agreement with UNESCO to accelerate digital learning in Kenya.

The President met Kenyans living in France and discussed ways of addressing challenges they face.

Kenyatta flew to Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, where he held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel which focused on security, investment, trade and innovation.

Later, Ms Merkel and President Kenyatta addressed a press conference. She said Kenya is Germany’s strategic partner and her government was looking for ways to deepen the ties.

On Thursday, the President attended a Germany-Kenya Business Forum in Berlin where he called for more trade between the two countries. The President said the value of German companies in Kenya is over Sh13 billion and have created over 4,200 jobs. More than 100 German companies operate in Kenya.

The country is ranked the 4th largest investor in Kenya, representing around 10 per cent of direct and indirect commercial interests.