President Mwai Kibaki (R) welcomes the German Chancellor Angela Merkel at State House, Nairobi during her official visit to Kenya. Photo/PPS
By NATION Reporter and PPS
Posted Tuesday, July 12 2011 at 10:48
Posted Tuesday, July 12 2011 at 10:48
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday asked Kenya to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure that the 2008 post election violence victims are accorded justice.
Chancellor Merkel also urged Kenya to be persistent in fighting graft as well as complete the implementation of the constitution as scheduled.
She further expressed Germany’s willingness and pledged support to strengthen Kenya’s electoral system in preparation for next year’s general
elections so as to avoid the repeat of the post election events and enable the country to continue on its peaceful path.
elections so as to avoid the repeat of the post election events and enable the country to continue on its peaceful path.
During the bilateral talks, Kenya and the German governments signed a memorandum that will enable industrial developments.
At a press briefing, President Mwai Kibaki asked the German government to consider funding the proposed construction of the Lamu port and Lamu - Ethiopia - South Sudan rail, road and pipeline link projects.
President Kibaki announced that the German government had pledged Sh17.5 billion during the 2010-2013 period to fund key projects crucial to the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
President Kibaki also noted that Kenya will continue supporting peace processes in Somalia and the Republic of South Sudan in an effort to enhance regional peace.
President Kibaki said the government has operationalised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Act, the Independent Offices Act, the Constitution implementation Commission Act, the Vetting of Magistrates and Judges Act and the Judicial Service Commission Act which are now operational.
Chancellor Merkel observed that Germany remained a committed member of the IGAD Partner’s Forum and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to the provision of technical and financial support needed for the reconstruction of the new state.
On Somalia, the leaders underscored the need for the international community to support the Kampala Accord and strengthen the capacity of the
Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM forces to stabilize Somalia.
Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM forces to stabilize Somalia.
Touching on international issues President Kibaki and Chancellor Merkel committed themselves to maintaining a close partnership while consulting on various issues of common concern both at the United Nations and other multilateral fora.
Chancellor Merkel stated that her government will support the country in fighting famine currently being experienced in Northern Kenya.
She said that Germany will donate one million euros towards intervention programmes on the large numbers of refugees streaming into Northern Kenya from Somalia.
In this regard, Chancellor Merkel appreciated Kenya’s role in brokering peace in the East African region and efforts to stabilise peace and security in both Somalia and South Sudan under very difficult circumstances.
Chancellor Merkel later met PM Raila Odinga who noted that the German government participated in drafting Kenya's coalition government after the disputed 2007 presidential elections.
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