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Banjul-Gambia, June 30, 2006

President Mwai Kibaki addressing the African Peer Review Forum in Banjul, Gambia. With him are Rwanda president Paul Kagame (l) , NEPAD Chairperson President Olesegun Obasanjo of Nigeria (2nd r) and Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat (r) a lead member of APRM panel of eminent persons.

Kenya Commended for its report

The African Peer Review Mechanism Forum of Heads of State and Government has commended the Kenyan Government for its efforts in improving the living standards of its citizenry by providing a conducive environment for economic growth and wealth creation.

Responding to issues raised in the APRM report leaders and observers at the forum expressed their optimism that with the structures for good governance and institutions of combating corruption in place, Kenya will move to greater heights of development.

The leaders who went through the report which was presented by the lead panel member for Kenya in the Africa Peer Review Mechanism-APRM Dr. Graca Machel, also commended Kenya for its role in resolving various conflicts within Africa and urged Kenyans to support the Government in fulfilling its mandate.

They noted that with a well developed human resource base that is well engaged in development activities, highly motivated and outspoken on public affairs the country is able to make major strides in economic growth and create more job opportunities for the youth.

The forum which was chaired by NEPAD Chairman, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria further added that since President Mwai Kibaki took over the reigns of leadership, Kenya has made remarkable gains in the expansion of democratic space and the respect for human rights.

President Obasanjo urged other African nations which have not acceded to the APRM programme to do so.

He also requested member states to commit more funds to the APRM trust fund to enable the programme fulfill its mandate.

The forum further noted that President Kibaki’s commitment to democratic ideals and good governance have made Kenya a role model to many African countries on the management of public affairs.

The forum commended the Government for its prudence in the management of public resources saying there are very few countries in Africa and other third world countries which are able to fund 95% of their budgets without donor support.

Present were Ministers Raphael Tuju, Henry Obwocha, Permanent Secretaries Ambassador Lazarus Amayo, Dr. Edward Sambil and Chief of protocol Ambassador Bruce Madete,and a lead member of the APRM panel of eminent persons Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat among other senior Government officials.