Kenya's president pledges conductive environment for investors

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has pleaged to continue to provide a conducive environment for investors to conduct business in the country. He made the remarks in a statement released after his arrival in Nairobi on Tuesday from New York where he attended the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). During the official visit to the U.S., the president said Kenya has seen unprecedented upshot of economic and social opportunities arising from the new Constitution, discovery of oil and minerals, progress in road infrastructure and education. "On that note, President Kibaki challenged the Kenyan Diaspora to take advantage of the emerging investment opportunities in the country particularly in the mining, oil and transport sector," the statement said. The president said there is exceptional economic, social and political vibrancy as the rest of Kenyans sought to exploit the prospects emerging from a variety of projects initiated by the government in the entire country in both urban and rural areas. President Kibaki also noted the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, one of the country's Vision 2030 flagship projects, provides vital links between the Port of Lamu, Ethiopia and South Sudan through the eastern and northern parts of Kenya. He said the LAPSSET corridor and other refurbished road networks across the country have opened new frontiers for trade and investment in the country. Kibaki also called for increased bilateral co-operation between Kenya and Ethiopia for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Speaking during bilateral talks with the new Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, President Kibaki expressed satisfaction with the growing areas of cooperationbetween the two countries. "I am particularly keen that we conclude the Special Status Agreement that we agreed on. This will undoubtedly spur the economic growth of our two countries," Kibaki said. He expressed hope that teams from both governments will commence negotiations, the soonest possible to enable the signing of the agreement at the next Joint Ministerial Commission later this year, adding such action will be a great way to honor the later PM Meles Zenawi for his dedication to upgrading the relations between the two nations. He said both countries should work closely in the areas of joint management of shared water resources and infrastructure projects particularly in the implementation of the Lamu Port and South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor (LAPSSET) project. "I am keen for us to explore joint financing to realize this historic project," said the president. The statement also said the president impressed on the international community at the UN General Assembly to invest in the peaceful settlement of international disputes by taking preventive measures while addressing the root causes. Kibaki emphasized the root causes of conflicts including poverty, inequity, disregard for international law and disrespect for each other's socio-cultural and religious belief among others need be established first. "President Kibaki said many modern disputes and conflicts revolved around concerns of water, available land and agriculture, forests, rivers and lakes adding that environment and the effects of climate change are an important component of the resolutions of disputes and conflicts around the world," the statement said. At a mini-summit on Somalia, the president called for dialogue between representatives of the international community and the new Somali leadership on the new government's medium to long term priorities. "He appealed to the United Nations to send a clear warning and demonstrate resolve to take measures that include sanctions to protect the progress achieved and insulate the reconstruction of Somalia," the statement said. The Kenyan leader stressed the transformation of Somalia requires effective coordination among national, regional and international actors in support of locally defined and owned programs. He told the international community to watch out on individuals or actors intent on obstructing the peace-building process.