South Sudan peace vital to the region says Kenyatta

By PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday affirmed his personal commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan.

Speaking when he bade farewell to the outgoing South Sudan Ambassador Majok Guandong, President Kenyatta said the problems bedevilling Africa’s youngest nation were undermining the social and economic growth and welfare of its citizens.

He emphasized the need for all South Sudan leaders to work together for the sake of peace and stability of the country, noting that the conflict in South Sudan has also affected Kenyans.

President Kenyatta wished Ambasador Guandong success in his new posting saying that his tour of duty in Kenya has been a true reflection of the relationship between the two countries.

“You have been a true brother and friend not just an ambassador. Even in difficult times you have been an honest representative of your country in Kenya,” President Kenyatta affirmed.

Ambassador Guandong expressed his gratitude to President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for standing with South Sudan throughout its challenges.

The envoy commended Kenya’s leading role in the region’s peace initiatives.

“Everybody in this continent greatly appreciates your role as a peace broker and your commitment to pan-Africanism agenda cannot be overemphasized,” said Ambassador Guandong.

Bidding farewell to the outgoing Mexican ambassador Luis Javier Cambuzano, President Kenyatta said Kenya will work closely with the Mexican Government in achieving food security.

He said the Jubilee Government was keen on enhancing its cooperation with Mexico especially on cereals storage to address the problem of aflatoxine.

The outgoing ambassador said during his tour of duty he managed to bring experts from Mexico to share with their Kenyan counterparts on the improved nutritional value of maize otherwise known as nixtamalization of maize (limestone cooking of maize).

The technique partially decontaminate maize from mico-toxins including aflatoxins thereby rendering the maize safe to eat.

President Kenyatta welcomed the sharing of the expertise, saying it would greatly benefit Kenya in ensuring food security as well as improve the health of its citizenry.

He asked the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amb. Amina Mohamed who was present, to follow up the matter with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that the technique is adopted in the country.