Diplomacy News

Republic of A Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

October 15, 2016 Issue No. 002

PS Amb. delivers her key note address during the Dip- lomatic Corps briefing held at Radison Blu ho- tel on October 6, 2016

Diplomatic Corps Briefing, on State of the Country By Jane Kariuki “Over 18,000 delegates including 35 Heads of State and Government; and more than 100 Captains of Business from both Japan and Africa attended TICAD VI,” said PS.

he Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week held the TICAD VI sought to mobilise support for Africa’s social second briefing session this year for Diplomatic economic development within the framework of Agenda TCorps. The briefing held on October 6, 2016 and presided 2063. by Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma apprised on the state of political developments in Kenya. The envoys were also briefed on the High Level Segment of the 71st UN General Assembly and Kenya participation in PS Juma said a number of significant developments since the the Peace Building Fund Pledging Conference. Kenya dele- last diplomatic briefing held on June 28, 2016 had been gation was led by Deputy President . attained; key among them: successful hosting of the UNCTAD IV that brought together more than 9,000 dele- “The focus and deliberation on migration and refugees gates, and TICAD VI that attracted over 18,000 delegates. was of significant importance to us as Kenya,” she said.

“The main outcome of the UNCTAD 14 conference was the The Ambassadors were also informed of H.E President Nairobi Azimio (political declaration) and Nairobi Maaf- ’s nomination of Amb. Dr. Amina Mo- ikiano (the negotiated outcome document). The Nairobi hamed to the post of chairperson of the AU Commission. Maafikiano set the stage for the implementation of the UNCTAD mandate for the next four years.” “We shall be knocking on the doors of our African broth- ers and sisters to request your country’s support,” she said. The TICAD VI Conference held for the first time in Africa, was also attended by over 35 Heads of State and Govern- The diplomats were informed on the state visit by President ment. Jacob Zuma of South Africa and the progress on the gen- eral election process scheduled for 2017ø

Kenyan Candidate Elected to Head UPU………………………………… …. 2 Call to Continue Rehabilitation Efforts of Lake Victoria Basin…………… 3

Kenya Nominates CS Amina Mohamed for AUC Chairperson……………… 2 Avail Resources to Conflict Prevention - CS Amina ……….……………. 4

Take Advantage of AGOA, CS Amina Urges Africa……..………………… 3 Pictorial …………………………………………………………… ….. 5 Kenyan Candidate Elected to Head UPU

By Edwin Limo

enya’s Amb. Bishar Hussein has been elected to serve Universal KPostal Union (UPU) member countries for the next four years as Director General in the -based global body. This comes a day after Foreign Affairs Cabi- net Secretary rallied UPU member countries to vote for Amb. Hussein for a second year term. Speaking during a luncheon hosted for dele- gates attending the 26th UPU Congress 2016 in Istanbul, CS Amina said Kenya believes the experience Amb. Hussein had acquired as Director-General of the UPU over the last 4 years will be useful in navigating the UPU Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed with Kenya’s candidate for UPU, Director successfully into the future. General Amb. Bioshar Hussein in Istanbul on October 4, 2016 “We are requesting for your support for Within the context of the postal and of the international postal network. another mandate for Amb. Hussein. Under the wider ICT sector, Kenya has a Present during the luncheon was his leadership the International Bureau of long history of participation in the Information Communication Tech- the UPU has delivered over 98% of the Doha affairs of the two oldest UN agen- nology Cabinet Secretary, Joe Muche- Postal Strategic objectives and has been a cies; the International Telecommu- ru, Principal Secretary, Broadcasting great advocate and spokesman for the UPU nication Union (ITU) and the Uni- and Telecommunication Sammy and under his watch the organisation is versal Postal Union (UPU). Itemere, Kenya Ambassador to Tur- more visible and successful,” said CS Amina. Commitment in the activities of key, Kiema Kilonzo, Communication The CS stressed Kenya was a strong believer these two bodies has played a signif- Authority Director General Francis in multilateralism and cooperation as critical icant role in transforming Kenya’s Wangusi, and Chairman of UPU ingredients for the promotion of internation- ICT landscape into one of the most Congress Kenan Bozgeyik among al peace, prosperity and security, CS Amina vibrant and innovative in the region others. said Kenya is a committed member of the and the world at large. UPU Congress brings together repre- International Community and the United sentatives of governments, designated Nations family and an active participant in The success of Kenya’s postal and ICT sector is a clear manifestation of operators, regulators and restricted the affairs of the various UN agencies, and unions of UPU member countries, as other inter-governmental bodies at the sub- the important role that UPU contin- ues to play in improving the quality well as heads of UN and other inter- regional and regional levels. national organisations.ø Kenya Nominates CS Amina Mohamed for AUC Chairperson By Jane Kariuki in Kigali, Rwanda in July, were sus- body of the WTO, and Co- pended as none of the contestants’ oreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb Chairperson of the Ministerial seg- secured mandatory two thirds ma- ment of the first ever TICAD Summit Amina Mohamed has been nominated jority after several rounds of voting. Fto vie for the position of the Chairperson of held on our continent. the Commission (AUC) The position is currently held by Dr. scheduled for January 2017. “Cumulatively, these assignments Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma of South have earned Kenya and Ambassador Africa whose who does not wish to In a statement issued from State House, Nai- Mohamed international acclaim and run for a second term. respect,” President Uhuru said. robi, Monday October 3, 2016 President Uhuru Kenyatta said his administration has “Dr. Amina Mohamed brings ex- The President concluded by saying offered CS, Mohamed for the position of the traordinary experience and distin- African Union Commission (AUC) chairper- that “Given her track record, I am guished service at the national and confident that Dr. Amina Mohamed son “In recognition of our obligation and international levels”, said the Presi- commitment to support African Agenda”. will serve our Continent with the dent. requisite professionalism, intellect,

The President said, “Amb. Mohamed has skill, integrity, passion and commit- She is the first woman to lead the ment”. steered our diplomatic engagement to great- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and In- er heights” adding that, “We have benefitted ternational Trade of the Republic of “I have no doubt that her internation- tremendously from regional and interna- Kenya. tional engagements of national and conti- al experience and exposure will be an invaluable asset in driving African nental significance”. She was elected President of Commission in the achievement of UNCTAD 14 for the next 4 years, Africa`s immense potential”.ø The elections will be held in January, 2017 was the Chairperson of the historic in Addis Ababa , after the elections WTO 10th Ministerial Conference which is the top decision-making 3 Take Advantage of AGOA - CS Amina Urges Africa can be accomplished since a lot has been done to address the challenges facing Sub-Saharan African countries in accessing US market. She cited USAID-led capacity building and technical assistance targeted at addressing supply side constraints and productive capacities; bold trade and investment reforms; as well as invest- ments in infrastructure and energy undertaken at national level as some of the most notable efforts done to ad- dress the challenges impeding the abil- ity to exploit the huge market access offered by AGOA.

“The suitability of the theme of this Foreign Affairs CS Amb. Amina Mohamed with US Trade Representative, Mr. Michael year’s AGOA Forum “Maximizing Froman at the 15th AGOA Forum in Washington D.C., USA on September , 2016. ø AGOA now to prepare for the future beyond AGOA,” cannot be overstated,” the CS said adding that in the lead up By Kawira Githinji has been made over the 16 years of to expiry of AGOA in 2025, there is AGOA’s existence but there was a lot need for discussions on how to trans- of room for improvement. late the current partnership into a permanent and sustainable framework frican countries benefiting The United States Congress last year that reflects emerging global develop- A from the African Growth and renewed the African Growth and Op- ment and safeguard the existing mar- Opportunities Act (AGOA) have been portunities Act (AGOA) for an addi- ket access and investments under challenged to double their efforts and tional period of 10 years. The exten- AGOA. take advantage of the extension period sion avails ample lead time for inves- granted to the initiative last year to tors to recoup their investments and Amb. Mohamed thanked Michael Fro- realise objectives of expanding trade consolidate the gains made so far. The man, the US Trade Representative, for and investment between Africa and the 2015 AGOA Act provides for en- laying the options bare for all to see United States of America. hanced eligibility obligations for bene- and study. ficiary countries covering a broad th Speaking during the 15 AGOA Fo- range of policy issues. Since its inception in 2000 AGOA has rum, held in Washington D.C., USA on been the cornerstone of US and sub- September 22-26, 2016, Foreign Af- Said the CS; “Two-way trade between Saharan Africa trade and economic fairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina the United States and AGOA – eligible partnership. This years’ forum was Mohamed said tremendous progress of sub-Saharan Africa countries has dou- attended by African and US ministers, promoting trade and investment be- bled between 2001 and 2014,” adding trade officials, civil society, and busi- tween USA and sub-Saharan Africa that moving forward more progress ness sector representatives ø Call to Continue Rehabilitation Efforts of Lake Victoria Basin

By Andrew Kuria coordinating the various interventions on the lake and its basin and serve as a centre for promotion of investments inistry of Foreign Affairs and information sharing among the Director of East Africa various stakeholders. The LVBC is M headquartered in Kisumu and is the Community Affairs Division Amb. Ruth Solitei has hailed the Commis- only EAC organization based in Kenya. sion’s rescue efforts at the Lake Victo- ria. Dr. Matano highlighted how Kenya lobbied for the LVBC’s Headquarter Speaking when she received Lake Vic- Director East Africa Community Affairs Divi- Agreement and underscored the need toria Basin Commission (LVBC), Exec- sion Amb. Ruth Solitei in talks with Lake Victo- for assistance in resource mobilization utive Secretary Dr. Ally-Said Matano ria Basin Commission Executive Secretary Dr. to construct offices on the 2.8 hectare Ally-Said Matano at her office on September land the Government of Kenya donat- who paid her a courtesy call on Tues- 28th , 2016 day, September 28, 2016, Amb. Solitei ed. said the Government of Kenya ing support in Diplomatic issues and will assist the Commission in every strengthening working relations be- He sought the Ministry’s support in way possible to achieve its full poten- tween the Ministry of Foreign Affairs LVBC’s publicity and engagement with tial. and the Commission. diplomatic missions based in Kenya.

Dr. Matano updated her on the Com- The East African Community established Dr. Matano was accompanied by Prin- missions’ activities with a view of seek- the Lake Victoria Basin Commission cipal Administrative Officer Milcent A. (LVBC) in 2001 as a mechanism for Opiyo during the courtesy call ø Avail Resources to Conflict Prevention - Transition CS Amina

By Edward Irungu “The consequences of fragility and conflict do not only affect the countries Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mo- concerned but also the international hamed has urged finance ministers, community as a whole. We have wit- policy makers and financial institu- nessed this in the form of migration tions to prioritize areas that will help flows, violent extremism and the break the poverty-fragility trap in spread of diseases such as the Ebola making financial decisions and alloca- virus. It is therefore in our shared in- tions. terest, as the international community, to forge a global compact and work “Targeting resources to areas that can together in solidarity.” dismantle the drivers of conflict will The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that greatly help in preventing conflict and fragility and conflict were major chal- building resilience,” said Amb. Amina lenges that risk worsening and require Mohamed. effective and timely developmental solutions. Speaking Saturday when she attended a World Bank meeting in Washington “It is today estimated that 125 million DC the CS, at the same time, called for people are in need of humanitarian Ms. Mary Achieng Ongolo - Onyango October 26 , 2016— September 27, 2016 resource transfers from rich to poor support – 80 % of whom are suffering countries to support the agenda of because of wars and conflicts. Further estimates indicate that more than 60% poverty eradication and conflict pre- The Ministry wishes to inform all vention. of the global poor will be living in fragile states by 2030, up from 43% members of staff about the sudden death of Ms. Mary Achieng Ongolo- “There are enough resources in the today” said Amb. Amina Mohamed. Onyango who was a Senior Assistant world economy to achieve the objec- Office Administrator attached to the tives of eradicating poverty and tack- The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya has taken bold measures to prevent conflict Welfare/ACU Unit. ling fragility globally. Important deci- sions must now be made to employ including implementing devolution, developing marginal areas, enhancing Ms. Onyango died on September 27, these resources to achieve the goals of 2016 at Nairobi West Hospital and peace and development,” said Amb. financial inclusion, among other measures to address poverty, inequali- was buried on October 9, 2016 in Amina Mohamed. Homabay County. ties and exclusion which are major drivers of conflict. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the In a condolence message by the Princi- transfer of resources through the Eu- The meeting, hosted by World Bank pal Secretary, Amb. Monica Juma to ropean Union Structural Funds and the her bereaved family, she described Cohesion Fund has adequately demon- President, Mr. Jim Yong Kim, was also attended by Liberian President Ellen Ms. Onyango as a dedicated, industri- strated that resource transfers can help ous officer and a loving mother. in ensuring balanced development and Sirleaf Johnson, Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Borge Brende and United achieving peace. The PS said that her death is not only a Nations Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Jan Eliasson. loss to her family but the ministry and “In the European Union, resource the community as well. Her guidance transfers was effected through the Speaking during the meeting the Libe- and wisdom will be missed by all who Regional Development Fund, which had the privilege of sharing her life aimed to improve economic prosperity, rian President said disruptive changes social inclusion and development in were a major cause of fragility and areas that lagged behind relative to the stressed the need for timely responses Editors Note rest of the Union,” said the CS. as well as adequate investments in early warning systems. She added: “This approach succeeded in Europe. I believe it can also succeed President Sirleaf further called for in- The Editorial Team welcomes feed- in Africa and should be adopted as a creased investments in preventing back, suggestions, short analysis best practice in tackling fragility and conflict saying billions of dollars spent for considerations and publishing underdevelopment in other parts of the in peacekeeping would have achieved in future issues of the Newsletter. world.” much more if committed to conflict prevention strategies. Feeback can be sent to : mfa- Saying that fragility and conflicts re- [email protected] spect no boundaries, Amb. Amina Mo- The meeting also brought together hamed called for concerted global officials from finance and development ministries from the World Bank efforts to address the challenges of Edwin Limo fragility and conflict in developing Group’s 188 member countries, lead- parts of the world. ers from civil society, the private sector and global media.ø

4 Vision A peaceful, prosperous and PICTORIAL globally competitive Kenya

Mission CS Amb. Amina Mohamed receives To project, promote and pro- South African President Jacob Zuma tect Kenya’s interests and im- and First Lady Sizakele Zuma at JKIA on October 10, 2016. The President age globally through innova- was in Kenya for a three day state visit tive diplomacy, and contribute ø towards a just, peaceful and equitable world Core Values

 Customer Focus  Patriotism CS Amb Amina Mohamed receives credentials from newly appointed  Team Spirit World Health Organization Country Representative Dr. Rudolf R. Eggers at  Professionalism her office on October 10, 2016. The World Health Organization is the  Ethics and Integrity United Nations specialized Agency for Health ø  Equity and fairness

CS Amb Amina Mohamed receives www.mfa.go.ke credentials from newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Sid- dharth Chatterjee at her office on Oc-

tober 10, 2016 ø @foreignaffairskenya

CS Amb. Amina Mohamed receives letters of credence from newly Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Consul General Republic of Uganda, Mombasa Consulate, Mr. Katareebe P. Tayabwa on October 10, 2016.

Mr. Tayebwa, based in Mombasa, hailed the good working relation his office enjoys with Mombasa Port not- Foreignaffairske ing that 78% of cargo to Uganda goes through the port.ø

Editor - Edwin Limo Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sub Editor - Jane Kariuki Harambee Avenue Design & Layout - Kawira Githinji P.O. Box 30551—GPO 00100, Nairobi/Kenya Photography - Andrew Kuria Tel: +254 20 4949 000, +254 20 331 8888 Email : [email protected]; [email protected]

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