Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday urged donors to enhance their support for the implementation of joint UN programmes to help spur growth.
“I encourage development partners, the bilaterals and multilaterals, including the private sector, to enhance their support to the implementation of this framework, and leverage additional human and financial resources,” he said.
The meeting reviewed the progress in the implementation of programs under the 1.2 billion U.S. dollar development assistance framework which the government and the UN signed last year when UNDAF was launched.
The four year development framework — which runs from 2014 to 2018 — aims at complementing the government’s development efforts in transformational governance, human capital development programs, inclusive and sustainable growth, environmental management and human security.
Kenyatta noted that the private sector, through foundations and philanthropic organisations, is a critical player in Kenya’s development.
He applauded the joint development partnerships between the United Nations and counties including Turkana, Marsabit and Moyale in northern Kenya. The three counties have endured climatic shocks, insecurity, abject poverty and marginalization for decades.
He said the partnership was helping in fixing regional disparities and promoting equality.
Kenyatta said women and youth agenda is a core priority of Jubilee government, adding that the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya are not left out in the agenda.
UN Resident Coordinator Nardos Bekele-Thomas applauded President Kenyatta’s support for the joint development assistance framework.
“Kenya is not just talking about national ownership and leadership of effective development cooperation, Kenya is walking the talk,” she added. Enditem
