President Kenyatta and first Lady return from UN Mission

What you need to know:

  • He spoke on threats facing Africa, ranging from terrorism, epidemics and instability in many countries and called for building of stronger States in Africa that can withstand crises and respond to emergencies.
  • First Lady Margaret Kenyatta had an equally busy schedule, addressing a gathering of First Ladies on maternal and newborn health with focus on adolescent girls.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta flew back into the country Wednesday evening from New York, in the United States of America.

While in New York, President Kenyatta gave his maiden address at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The President used his speech to make a passionate plea to the UN member countries to work together to solve problems facing the African continent and other parts of the world.

He spoke on threats facing Africa, ranging from terrorism, epidemics and instability in many countries and called for building of stronger States in Africa that can withstand crises and respond to emergencies.

He affirmed Kenya’s role in shouldering its global and regional responsibilities, saying the country has played a big role in the affairs of the United Nations this year having overseen several processes of the world body.

President Kenyatta also addressed the United Nations Security Council and called for stronger efforts to control the phenomenon of foreign mercenaries waging terror in many parts of the world.

He said half of the terrorists who massacred innocent shoppers and children at the Westgate mall in Nairobi last year were foreigners.
He said the phenomenon should awaken the world to the speed with which terror groups can evolve and the risk posed by the terrorists when they return to their home countries.

President Kenyatta also held talks with various leaders, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

MARGARET KENYATTA

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta had an equally busy schedule, addressing a gathering of First Ladies on maternal and newborn health, with a focus on adolescent girls.

At the meeting, African First Ladies called on governments in Africa to dedicate more resources to creating a conducive environment to empower adolescent girls.

They also called for the reinforcement of positive values in men and boys to address harmful traditional practices and inequalities between the two genders for the good of society.

Mrs Kenyatta also joined Mr Ban and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at a signature campaign event on maternal health.

The Every Woman Every Child initiative, which aims to save 16 million lives by 2030, was launched in 2010 at the personal urging of the UN secretary-general.

The First Lady was invited in recognition of her successful initiatives to save women and children from avoidable disease and death.

The plane carrying the President and his entourage touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 9:00pm.

On arrival the President and the First Lady were received by senior government officials, led by Deputy President William Ruto and Chief of the Defence Forces General Julius Karangi.