NAIROBI, Kenya, November 6, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The Head of the EU Delegation to Kenya, H.E. Ambassador Stefano A. Dejak, made his first official visit to Mandera on 6th November 2015. He expressed his condolences to all the families of the victims of terrorism and violence in the County, which has experienced many terror attacks, and assured residents that the EU and its member states stand in solidarity with Kenya and Somalia in fighting terror and violent extremism.
Ambassador Dejak made the visit during the handing over of the Beyond Zero Campaign, spearheaded by Kenya’s first lady Mrs. Margaret Kenyatta. While congratulating the first lady for her strong and personal commitment towards reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Kenya, Ambassador Dejak reassured the first lady of the EU and its member states’ commitment to support her in her and Kenya’s efforts to improve maternal and child health.
Noting that society must not forget other challenges and allow terrorist to divert attention away from development, Ambassador Dejak underscored the importance of reducing maternal and child mortality especially in the local context where it is difficult to access health services because of the long distances or poor infrastructure.
Under the current devolved government, the EU ambassador noted that Governors have received great responsibilities and local leadership is key in driving development forward, especially in the peripheral regions. He emphasized that the EU is a staunch supporter of the devolution process and is working with many counties to implement their development plans.
The EU support to reducing maternal and child mortality and enhancing nutrition and family planning in Kenya amounts to around 4.7 billion Kenyan shillings (42 million euro) and is implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the County governments. In Mandera, the EU supports two projects implemented by NGOs Save the Children and Health Unlimited, valued at 180 million Kenya Shillings (1.6million Euro)
Ambassador Dejak also announced that Mandera is one of the Counties that is likely to benefit from the recently established EU Emergency Trust Fund, which is intended to help stabilizing the Horn of Africa region. The Trust Fund will address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement in countries of origin and transit, by enhancing resilience to external shocks, eradicating extreme poverty, creating inclusive economic opportunities, empowering youth and women, strengthening social cohesion, and building better governance.
