NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 16 – President Mwai Kibaki has met and held talks with the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Fra Matthew Festing who paid him a courtesy call.
During the discussions, President Kibaki expressed the government’s appreciation to the Military Order of Malta for the invaluable assistance extended to Kenya.
The President said the assistance had gone a long way in augmenting government’s efforts in executing the government blueprint, vision 2030, whose aim was to create a society that enjoys equitable social development.
Through its worldwide relief Corps, Malteser International, the Order of Malta has in the last two years spent over Sh150 million to undertake various development activities in the country.
The Head of State noted with gratitude the provision of medicine and emergency relief food to residents of North Eastern province adversely affected by drought.
Malteser International set up the Northern Kenya Emergency Drought Response programme to improve the quality of life for vulnerable persons in Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit Districts.
Under the Nairobi Slums Project, the Organisation constructed health centres in Kariobangi, Soweto, Kayole, Dandora and, Kangemi, Riruta and Mathare North to treat and educate on TB and HIV/AIDS.
The President acknowledged the role of Malteser International, the Military Order of Malta’s worldwide relief Corps in provision of humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters, epidemics and armed conflicts in Kenya and the Eastern Africa Region.
President Kibaki expressed optimism that the visit by the Prince, the first to the Country would solidify the good relations and cooperation enjoyed by Kenya and the Order of Malta.
The talks were attended by the Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura and the Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Kenya Count Gianfranco Cicogna Monzzoni among others.
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