Ex-President Mwai Kibaki kicks off tenure as UNESCO envoy

Former President Mwai Kibaki has officially kicked off his tenure as a United Nations Special envoy.

This is after Kibaki was appointed the UNESCO special envoy for water and received a certificate of his designation from Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

“We still have challenges in Africa as far as water is concerned. We hope that your appointment will help in realization of clean and safe water. Water coverage is 56% with urban coverage standing at  65% ans rural 49%. In his capacity as special envoy he will act as an Interlocker between UNESCO and govt. The ministry has nominated liaison officer to provide technical backup to realizing full mandate,” said Water CS Eugene Wamalwa.

“Kibaki’s nomination is a great achievement as it is a response to the challenge we have in the region. We need stronger cooperation for stronger and better water across Africa. Kibaki’s role as a special envoy for water Will be to raise the flag for the sustainable management in Africa,” said UNESCO regional director Mohammed Djelid.

“The Ministry of Water’s support will be critical in realizing the reach of water through the continent. The current statistics of water in Africa paints a very gloomy picture thus the timeliness of his appointment. The appointment is a great honour for Kenya. We are keen to work closely with all relevant institutions in water sector in Africa. Water has been the main source of inter communal conflicts in Africa so it is good for UNESCO to ensure water for peace in Africa,” said the Former President.

” It is wonderful to end up supporting all these Africans. Encourage people to turn up in support to ensure the people of Africa gets enough water. Let us all pour our hearts to this job and do it properly. Hopes the whole of Africa will be supportive in his new role. If all Africans join we shall do quite a bit. Instead of competing over nothing let us join to do that job,” he added.

The retired head of state was appointed on 10th April and later received the designation for the new role during an event held at UNESCO headquarters on the 20th of April in Paris, France.

The appointment recognized his efforts to promote education as an essential tool in implementation of projects and activities linked to water, to promote sustainable management of this crucial resource.