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The
23rd SESSION OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL/ GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT MINESTARIAL
ENVIRONMENT FORUM AT UNITED NATIONS COMPLEX GIGIRI, 21 FEBRUARY,
2005 (UNEP GOVNG. COUNCIL)
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
HON. MWAI KIBAKI, CGH., MP., PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
DURING THE 23RD SESSION OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL/GLOBAL MINISTERIAL
ENVIRONMENT FORUM AT UNITED NATIONS COMPLEX GIGIRI, 21 FEBRUARY,
2005
Mr. President,
Honourable Ministers,
The Executive Directors of UNEP and UN Habitat,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great pleasure for me to join you today for the
opening ceremony of the Twenty-Third Session of the Governing
Council and Global Ministerial Environment Forum of the United
Nations Environment Programme.
First of all, I welcome all of you to Nairobi and to Kenya.
I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to visit
other parts of the country and to enjoy yourselves as you interact
with Kenyans and even with our wildlife. I wish to commend Dr.
Klaus Topfer, the Executive Director of UNEP and his Secretariat
for the excellent preparations for this Session, and to assure
you all of my Government's continued support as you continue
to execute the mandate of UNEP. This session is an important
opportunity to consider the work programme for the next two
years, especially as we seek to achieve the internationally
agreed goals of eradicating extreme poverty and ensuring sustainability
of the environment. Ladies and Gentlemen, The last century witnessed
tremendous technological innovations that transformed the world
into a global village. Today, an event taking place in Bangkok
or Rio De Janeiro, can have far reaching impacts in Accra or
Johannesburg. Nowhere is this truth more real than in situations
of natural calamities.
In the last few years
humanity has had to contend with major earthquakes and floods.
These events have time and again demonstrated that the world
is one, we are one people and that the only effective way of
addressing the challenges we face is to respond together as
one community. Indeed, the international response to the recent
Tsunami disaster in Asia has demonstrated that the world must
stand together in facing environmental challenges. Let me again
on behalf of my Government and the people of Kenya convey our
heartfelt condolences and support to the governments and families
affected by the recent Asian Tsunami disaster. The deaths, destruction
of property and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people
caused untold human suffering across the affected countries.
We share the grief and join the international community in the
recovery efforts.
This last Wednesday, the international community demonstrated
great courage by effecting the Kyoto protocol after seven years
of negotiations. The coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol
is indeed a historical step for humankind. It opens the way
for addressing global warming which has been blamed for rising
world temperatures, melting glaciers and rising sea levels.
I congratulate all the nations of the world that have taken
this brave step. I also encourage those who have not yet made
a final decision to ratify the protocol, to do so for the sustainable
development of this planet.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Here in Kenya, we are sensitive to environmental issues. After
all we have experienced frequent cycles of drought that have
afflicted us over the years. Kenya is in the process of finalizing
a Sessional Paper to create the necessary legal framework for
proper management of the environment.
In this regard, we take great pride in the global recognition
of our Nobel Laureate, Honourable Professor Wangari Maathai.
Apart from her international campaigns and work, her mobilization
of grassroots communities to plant trees and conserve the environment,
have made a big difference in our rural areas.
Her international recognition is an inspiration to us a country,
and to environmentalists globally.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In adopting the Millennium Development Goals five years ago,
world leaders resolved to implement various measures to address
the greatest threats to humanity such as poverty, hunger, HIV/AIDS
and environmental degradation. Whereas there has been some level
of achievements, extreme poverty, high mortality rates, increasing
numbers of slum dwellers and limited or complete lack of access
to clean water and basic sanitation, especially amongst rural
communities are clear reminders that the world must do more
to reverse this worrying situation.
The challenges in
meeting the Millennium Development Goals are enormous for developing
countries. For us to realize the 2015 target, there is need
for renewed global commitment. We, therefore, call for concrete
measures at all levels in order to strengthen national development
policies and strategies. Moreover, international cooperation
is crucial for the implementation of these goals.
It is my sincere hope, therefore, that the forthcoming Review
Summit in September will strengthen this commitment.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A major problem facing developing nations today is the rapid
growth in the populations of our cities. This growth has not
been complimented with adequate expansion of infrastructure
and other essential services such as health, water and sanitation.
Consequently, basic services such as collection and disposal
of garbage have become grossly inadequate. For example, plastic
which is an innovation that seemed to make life easier only
a few years ago, has now become a serious environmental concern.
In our major cities, plastic bags are used in large quantities
at the household level. However, these bags are not disposed
of in ways that ensure a clean environment. My country welcomes
initiatives to address this problem.
As we address the problem of plastics, we also need to look
at the broad issue of chemicals and the potential damage of
these to the environment. We recognize that chemicals have become
part and parcel of our modern society. However, clear policies
and proper planning should guide the proper manufacturing, use
and disposal of chemicals. There is need, therefore, to integrate
chemical safety in our national development strategies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you know, there are only four United Nation Centres globally,
located in New York, Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi. Kenya feels
greatly honoured to be the home of the only United Nations Centre
in the developing world.
We are glad that the international community is focused on recognizing
and strengthening the role of developing nations, and especially
Africa in the global arena. The United Nations Centre in Nairobi
bears testimony to this commitment.
It is therefore imperative
to strengthen the financial base of UNEP in order to ensure
effective execution of its mandate. I am encouraged by the progress
made so far in the implementation of the pilot phase of the
indicative scale for contributions. I urge all member states
to increase their contributions towards the Environment Fund.
Furthermore, consolidating the scientific base of UNEP is equally
important. We therefore support the ongoing efforts aimed at
establishing and strengthening national, sub-regional and regional
capacities for disaster management, assessment, monitoring and
early warning systems on the state of the environment. In this
regard, I call for greater involvement of scientists, research
institutions and centers of excellence from Africa in this process.
In conclusion, the
protection of the environment is no longer a matter of choice.
The survival of the human race depends on the decisions and
actions that we adopt today to make the Planet Earth a habitable
place for both current and future generations. We need to make
protection of the environment part and parcel of our everyday
lives.
Indeed, we should
instill a respect and sensitivity to environmental issues in
our children at an early age. For example, environmental conservation
and its place in development should be a topic of discussion
and even study in our school curriculums.
Finally, I would
like to reiterate Kenya's commitment to providing all the necessary
support to the United Nations offices here at Gigiri, Nairobi.
I am confident that this Session will contribute to the advancement
of the environmental agenda in a manner that fulfills the vision
of the Stockholm Conference.
Thank you.
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SPEECH BY HIS
EXCELLENCY, HON MWAI KIBAKI, CGH., MP., PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
OF KENYA DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
FOR REVITALISING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH,
22ND FEBRUARY, 2005
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you on this occasion of the official opening
of the National Conference on the Strategy for Revitalizing the
Agricultural Sector.
The conference presents an excellent forum to exchange ideas and
to chart the way forward towards having a competitive and sustainable
agricultural sector.
As you are aware, agriculture is the backbone of our economy.
The sector contributes about 30 percent of the Gross Domestic
Product and a further 27 percent through linkages with other sectors.
The agricultural sector also accounts for 80 percent of national
employment, contributes 60 percent of the total export earnings,
and accounts for about 45 percent of government revenue. Indeed,
the agricultural sector has the greatest impact on overall economic
performance.
However, the sector has performed poorly since the 1990s, with
agricultural output averaging 1 percent. The last two years have
recorded marginal improvement, as agricultural output increased
to 2.4 percent last year.
Nevertheless, much more will have to be done, if the full potential
of this important sector is to be realized. For agriculture to
play a lead role in Kenya's economy, small-scale farmers especially,
must be mobilized to stop producing for their immediate family
needs alone.
They must be made to adopt a business-like attitude to farming,
and view agriculture as a commercial activity that can substantially
increase their earnings and improve their livelihoods.
If this can be achieved, we shall have begun to seriously address
the problem of hunger, malnutrition and food shortages in general.
A vibrant agricultural sector will also enable us to more effectively
address the problem of unemployment and build the momentum for
sustained economic growth.
As you deliberate on the revitalization of agriculture, it is
important that you pay particular attention to the issue of food
security in the country.
It is unacceptable that so long after our independence we are
unable to produce enough food for all our people. My government
regards food security as a matter of national priority.
Accordingly, we have in collaboration with our Development Partners,
the Millennium Support Centre and the Food and Agriculture Organization
formulated a medium-term food security programme estimated to
cost 5.6 billion shillings. The programme is intended to make
a lasting impact on hunger reduction amongst vulnerable segments
of our society.
In view of the urgency
and the need to make an immediate impact towards reduction of
hunger, my Government will immediately make available 80 million
shillings for the "Njaa Marufuku Kenya" programme.
The programme will address specific interventions including investments
in soil fertility and health, improved access to quality seeds,
small-scale water management, strengthening of extension services
and agricultural research.
As part of efforts to ensure food security and increase productivity,
we need to bear in mind that our agricultural land is not expanding.
As a matter of fact,
changing weather patterns and population expansion are increasing
pressure on the available arable land. Therefore, we need to embrace
technological innovations that will enable the farmer to achieve
higher yields per unit area.
In this regard, there is need to strengthen agricultural extension
services for the farmer. Additionally, our research institutions
must develop relevant and appropriate technologies that can be
easily adapted by our farmers. I urge our researchers, service
providers and farmers to work together in identifying and applying
suitable agricultural technologies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kenya's agricultural productivity continues to be constrained
by over-reliance on rain-fed farming. This has negatively impacted
on our ability to ensure stability of production. The expansion
of irrigation projects is needed to mitigate the effects of unreliable
rainfall.
Currently, irrigation-based farming is limited to about 100,000
hectares compared to the available potential of 540,000 hectares.
There is need for concerted efforts in capital and technology
application to enhance water harvesting and storage, improve irrigation
infrastructure and increase efficiency in water use.
Irrigation development should therefore be given top priority
in order to fast track agricultural development.
Another area that will require the attention of this conference
is the need to tap the unexploited potential of the Arid and Semi
Arid Lands in the country. The ASAL areas constitute 84 percent
of total landmass and account for over 50 percent of the red meat
production.
Indeed, livestock production accounts for about 90 percent of
employment and family incomes in the Arid and Semi Arid areas.
My Government is committed to the development of the ASAL areas
in order to improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities. A
month ago, I launched the Economic Recovery Programme for North
Eastern Province and Isiolo, Marsabit and Moyale Districts.
The programme is being financed to a tune of 10.7 billion Shillings
for the next three years. We have also extended the Arid Lands
Resources Management Project Phase Two in order to build further
on the gains made in the First Phase.
Additionally, a National Action Plan for combating desertification
has been formulated in line with the United Nations Convention
to Combat Desertification. The plan will focus on increased pastoral
livestock production through provision of water, establishment
of livestock disease- free zones, improved breeding services and
the promotion of an efficient private sector-led marketing system.
I am pleased to note that Kenyan livestock have now re-entered
the international markets with exports to Mauritius and the Middle
East.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While we are encouraging our farmers to produce more, we must
also bear in mind that farmers can only sustain production, if
there is an assured market for their produce.
Marketing requires substantial investment and planning which are
beyond the reach of the majority of our small scale producers.
We must, therefore, continue to strengthen the Cooperatives movement
in order to improve access to markets, mobilize domestic savings
for investment and reduce the cost of production.
Today, the cooperative movement mobilizes domestic savings to
the tune of 100 billion shillings and supports an estimated 63
percent of the Kenyan population. The current democratic latitude
that Kenyans are enjoying has yet to be felt in our co-operative
movement. Members must demand more accountability in the management
of co-operatives, through open access to published books of accounts.
My government will also continue to review and develop strategic
policies on agricultural trade and investment to facilitate our
participation in the regional and global markets. The harmonization
of tariff and non-tariff requirements has been negotiated to make
our products more competitive.
Our products, however, must be of high quality, if we are to be
competitive in the East African Customs Union and emerging Free
Trade Area blocks such as COMESA. I am therefore optimistic that
this conference will also focus on accessing markets beyond our
region and the continent.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My Government appreciates that infrastructure is vital for the
growth of our economy and especially agriculture. Roads, railways
and other communication networks are an integral part of the production
and marketing development chain.
My government will, therefore, continue to place emphasis on construction
and maintenance of the national road network, including rural
feeder roads. In addition, improving communication networks and
rural electrification are key priorities that are being implemented
to encourage the growth of rural businesses, industrialization
and trade.
In conclusion, let me emphasize that our farmers are doing their
part by growing crops and keeping livestock. We, on our part,
must make sure that our farmers get the highest value from their
hard labour. All of us here are aware that export of raw products
brings minimum returns to the farmer.
Earnings from agricultural exports can increase more than ten-fold
when these products are processed locally, and exported as manufactured
goods. This value addition must be given increased attention,
if the measures to revitalize agriculture are to yield the desired
results.
With these remarks, it is now my pleasure to declare the National
Conference on Revitalizing the Agricultural Sector for Economic
Growth officially open.
I wish you all fruitful deliberations.
Thank you.
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