Draft Nairobi Declaration under scrutiny

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Statehouse, Nairobi, on August 26, 2016. The two leaders will on Saturday join other leaders in discussing a document that seeks ways to curb insecurity and improve African economies. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The council of ministers from Japan and the African Union approved the draft Nairobi declaration, which details how to transform economies, eradicate diseases and maintain political stability on the vast continent.
  • The Nairobi declaration will be the outcome of the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
  • Japan is expected to pledge more scholarships, support the construction of training institutions as well as assist security agencies that deal with violent extremism.
  • Mr Abe said Japan was ready to help African governments to grow their economies.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will on Saturday join other leaders in discussing a document that seeks ways to curb insecurity and improve African economies.

On Friday, the council of ministers from Japan and the African Union approved the draft Nairobi declaration, which details how to transform economies, eradicate diseases and maintain political stability on the vast continent.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed told journalists after the preparatory meeting that the draft declaration could be amended depending on what the heads of state feel.

“It is just a draft. We haven’t agreed on anything yet but we are confident it reflects the will of everyone,” she said.

The Nairobi declaration will be the outcome of the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, taking place on African soil for the first time.

The conference is seen as a response to a similar meeting by China last year in South Africa, where Beijing pledged $60 billion (Sh6 trillion) for infrastructure development on the continent.

Japan is expected to pledge more scholarships, support the construction of training institutions as well as assist security agencies that deal with violent extremism. Kenya and the region are battling Al-Shabaab, while South Sudan and Burundi are torn by internal conflicts.

On Friday, President Kenyatta said at a joint press briefing with Mr Abe that the meeting would be looking at industrialisation, health care, political stability and dissuading youth from crime.

“Africa is a young continent. That is a blessing as it means most Africans are young, filled with the energy and innovation of youth.  But we know equally well that the energy can sometimes be misdirected,” he said. 

Mr Abe said Japan was ready to help African governments to grow their economies. “The key to economic growth is industrialisation and Africa is facing some challenges in the sector. We hope that sharing experiences will help solve some of these,” he said.