Italy urged to lobby for Somali security

President Kibaki on Thursday sought the intervention of Italy to have European countries give more resources to help stabilise Somalia.

Speaking at his Harambee House office when he held talks with Italian Foreign affairs minister Franco Frattini, the President said over two decades of conflict had spurred insecurity in the Horn of Africa.

The Head of State also thanked Italy for converting a Kenyan government debt of Sh4.6 billion to development aid in education, health and water provision.

The Italian minister later held separate talks with Prime minister Raila Odinga and other ministers to discuss trade.

Discuss trade

The Italian official said his country would cooperate with the Kenyan government to market Kenyan products there. He spoke after meeting with Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the his Treasury offices.

To increase trade between the two countries, the PM said Italy will host an investment conference for Kenyan investors to showcase their trade potential.

Mr Frattini also pledged that his country will give a grant of Sh3.5 billion to the government to provide piped water to communities in Kabarnet and Mwingi.

And speaking earlier after meeting Foreign affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula, Mr Frattini pledged that his country will lobby European Union to support efforts to stabilise Somalia and the fight pirates