President Kenyatta puts security top in his UN address

Kenya has urged the United Nations to do more to contain the security problems in Somalia and South Sudan.

President Uhuru Kenyatta made the call when he gave a speech at the 70th United Nations General Assembly annual debate in New York on Monday evening.

Mr Kenyatta made a passionate appeal to the UN and its member states not to turn their back on nations faced with long-running conflicts.

Kenya's tourism sector has borne the brunt of the security nightmare since the Westgate and Garissa attacks that killed many and left the hospitality sector on its knees even as travel advisories worsened the plight.

Hundreds of Kenyans have also lost their lives in several attacks across the country, with some Kenyans calling on the government to pull its troops out of Somalia.

“Despite the threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants on Kenya, we will stand firm in support of the people of Somalia,” said the President. “Kenya therefore calls on the international community to support the government of Somalia in securing its territory.”

He further called for global support for Kenya’s fight against terrorism waged by extremists over Kenya’s role in supporting stability in Somalia.

President Kenyatta said Kenya has continued to invest billions of shillings in the maintenance of regional peace and security while many Kenyans have lost their lives in its quest for peace.

READ: Sluggish tourism recovery keeps 20,000 out of hotel jobs

Kenya has allocated Sh5.2 billion to revamp its tourism sector with marketing campaigns across the world. Tourism is one of the biggest foreign exchange earners for Kenya alongside tea and horticulture.

SHOULDER ITS RESPONSIBILITY

“Kenya therefore implores the global community, in particular the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibility in a manner that has a direct impact to the resolution of those conflicts,” said the President negatively.

President Kenyatta said Kenya will not abandon Somalia for many reasons including the fact that instability in the neighbouring country continues to affect Kenya.
He said the links between the two nations demands that Kenya takes lead in ensuring a stable Somalia for the benefit of the people of both countries.

“Kenya and Somalia share strong historical, cultural and trading ties that have benefited both societies. Somalia remains a major concern to the international community and Kenya in particular, due to the long-standing crises and security situation,” said the President.

He said the Kenya Defence Forces will not stop supporting the Somalia National Army within the framework of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The President also stated that Kenya is concerned with the emerging crisis in Southern Sudan and welcomed the peace agreement recently signed to end the conflict.

“Kenya urges the international community, especially the United Nations, to support the IGAD Plus Peace Initiative’s efforts geared towards the realisation of comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said the President.

HONOURED

President Kenyatta also used his speech at the UN General Assembly debate to express Kenya’s appreciation for the role it was given to guide the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted in a special summit on September 25.

“Kenya was honoured and proud for the important role it played in the Post 2015 Development Agenda process, by co-chairing the open working group on Sustainable Development Goals and by facilitating the inter-governmental negotiations,” said the President.

Mr Kenyatta also tipped developing nations to put emphasis on domestic resource mobilisation as well as private business finance, both domestic and international, as an assured way to attain sustainable development.

He added that overseas development assistance still has a big role to play in attaining sustainable development.

“However, domestic resource mobilisation remains key in raising required resources to finance development,” said the President.

President Kenyatta also celebrated the success of the integration of the East African Community, which is the fastest growing regional economic bloc in the world.