Kenya safe to visit, says Unep boss Achim Steiner

Unep director Achim Steiner on Monday declared Kenya a safe destination, saying his organisation was satisfied with the steps the government had taken to tackle insecurity.

Mr Steiner said the country was still a preferred hub for international meetings.

“Security is a concern but the Kenya government is addressing the matter. As Unep, we have invested here for over 40 years and we will not be moving, if anything, our staff are moving here … they are unpacking their bags and not the other way round,” he said during the opening of the United Nations Environment Assembly at the UN complex in Gigiri, Nairobi.

This comes after Britain and the US issued travel advisories to its citizens against visiting Kenya following sporadic terrorist attacks in the country.

The Unep boss assured foreigners visiting Kenya that “Nairobi is the environmental capital of the world”.

“Kenyans should be very proud of that in hosting this forum, it shows a clear commitment that it has the best intentions for Africa and the world,” he said.

Unep and United Nations Human Settlement Programme both have their head offices in Nairobi.

More than 1,200 delegates and 90 ministers from 162 member states are expected to attend the 40 events on environment issues at Gigiri.

An annual report on emerging issues on global environment will also be presented at the United Nations Environment Assembly forum under the slogan ‘A Life of Dignity for All’.

The representatives from UN member states are also seeking to ensure that environmental issues have a similar status to those of peace, security, finance, trade and health.

“This session will provide leadership on global environment policy,” said Mr Steiner.

The conference will also tackle illegal trade in wildlife, sustainable development, and the link between gender and environment.

“As a country, we have taken the frontline in addressing issues of climate change and we are humbled that we are hosting the different nationalities on our soil. To the visitor, make time to tour this beautiful country,” said Environment, Water, and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu.

United Nations Environment Assembly is a subsidiary assembly of the UN General Assembly and this is the first such meeting on environment in Nairobi.