While in New York, President Kenyatta gave his maiden address at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)/PSCU
While in New York, President Kenyatta gave his maiden address at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The President used his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly to make a passionate plea to the UN member countries to work together to solve problems facing the African continent and other parts of the world.
He spoke on threats facing Africa, ranging from terrorism, epidemics and instability in many countries and called for building of stronger States in Africa that can withstand crises and respond to emergencies.
He affirmed Kenya’s role in shouldering its global and regional responsibilities saying the country has played a big role in the affairs of the United Nations this year having overseen several processes of the world body.
President Kenyatta also addressed the United Nations Security Council and called for stronger efforts to control the phenomenon of foreign mercenaries waging terror in many parts of the world.
He said half of the terrorists who massacred innocent shoppers and children at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi last year were foreigners.
He said the phenomenon should awaken the world to the speed with which terror groups can evolve and the risk posed by the terrorists when they return to their home countries.
President Kenyatta also held talks with various leaders including the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and the United States Secretary of State John Kerry.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta had an equally busy schedule where she addressed the High-Level Dialogue event of First Ladies on Maternal and New Born Health Beyond 2014 with focus on adolescent girls.
At the meeting, African First Ladies called on governments in Africa to dedicate more resources to create conducive environment to empower adolescent girls.
They also called for reinforcement of positive values in men and boys to address harmful traditional practices and inequalities between the two genders for the good of society.
The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta also joined UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at a signature campaign event on maternal health.
The Every Woman Every Child initiative, which aims to save 16 million lives by 2030, was launched in 2010 at the personal urging of the Secretary General.
The First Lady was invited in recognition of her successful initiatives to save women and children from avoidable disease and death.
The Plane carrying the President and his entourage touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 9pm.
On arrival the President and the First Lady were received by senior Government officials led by the Deputy President William Ruto and Chief of the Defence Forces General Julius Karangi.
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