Kibaki briefs UN on reforms

By PPS

Kenya's feat of overcoming political difficulties and implementing far-reaching reforms that led to the enactment of a new Constitution is a great source of inspiration to other nations in the region and beyond, President Kibaki has said.

In his address, during the official opening of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, President Kibaki said it was possible to attain change through popular participation and national consultation.

The Head of State noted that Kenya’s experience was difficult but expressed optimism that the new Constitution would have deep and lasting impact in the country.

PROGRESS MADE

"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 Election 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," he said in his speech.

"I am certain that in our own small way we have inspired others, especially in our region, to seek change through popular participation and national consultation," he add.

On Somalia, Kibaki urged the international community to intervene because the war could destabilise not only the region’s peace but also the international peace.

The President said the perceived reluctance by the United Nations Security Council to engage in Somalia has raised concern.

On the Sudan conflict, Kibaki said Inter Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) had faith that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement held the key to peace and stability.

The President said Igad’s chair had assured him that concerned parties were committed to resolve outstanding issues and continue with necessary preparations for the referendum scheduled for next year.

The Head of State noted that the continued engagement with the leadership of both the National Congress Party and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement was the surest way towards peaceful resolution of the Sudan conflict.

With regard to Kenya’s attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), he said the Government has invested to meet the targets. 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 the Government had established the necessary legal and policy framework.

On reducing extreme poverty, he said the Government had set up various initiatives.

Noting that climate change is a major constraint to national development, he said that the Government remains committed to greeneconomy so as to protect the agricultural sector, on which majority of citizens depends o