Kalonzo on GJLOS

Kalonzo Musyoka has appealed to partner countries which were involved in the sponsorship of the Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector Reform program (GJLOS) to consider extending the support for the program which has come to an end.

Speaking in his Jogoo House office when he held talks with the Finnish ambassador to Kenya Ms Heli Sirve Mr. Musyoka said there was need for renegotiation of the support, noting that the program was key to the country's reform agenda.

Mr. Musyoka praised Finland for being the lead donor to the program to which she donated over Kshs.1.1 billion.

The Vice President lauded the bilateral ties between Kenya and Finland which he noted had continued to grow in strength in last 40 years.

"However, I note that our trade relations have not been very strong, and time has come for us to strengthen them" Mr. Musyoka said.

He urged Finland to assist Kenya in reclaiming the country's forest cover and environmental conservation.

Mr. Musyoka assured the envoy that Kenya will partner with Finland towards the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 on gender and Women in Conflict situations.

Ms Sirve disclosed that Finland has already signed a five-year deal worth 19 million Euros towards promotion of forestry in ASAL parts of the country.

She said her country will support the initiation of a National Action Plan on the UN Resolution.

The talks were attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Vice President's office Dr. Ludeki Chweya and the Counsellor at the Finnish embassy Dr. Sirkku Hellstein.