Kibaki named UNESCO special envoy for water in Africa

Kibaki named UNESCO special envoy for water in Africa

Former President Mwai Kibaki was on Tuesday honoured as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) special envoy for water in Africa.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa received the award on behalf of Mr Kibaki in Paris, France where he had accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta for a state visit.

Mr Kibaki was unable to travel to Paris due to unavoidable circumstances.

“This recognition is in many ways an honor for Kenya and not just for former President Mwai Kibaki,” the retired president’s press secretary Ngari Gituku said.

To celebrate the honor, Mr Kibaki is preparing a commentary piece derived from his acceptance speech, he added.

The appointment, made by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, was made official during a ceremony scheduled at the UNESCO headquarters.

The appointment of Mwai Kibaki acknowledges his efforts to make education an essential tool in the implementation of projects and activities related to water, to promote sustainable management of this resource and support initiatives to facilitate access of the communities, stated a statement released by the organisation.

Mr Kibaki was president of Kenya from December 2002 to April 2013. In 2013, he created the Mwai Kibaki Institute responsible for developing diplomacy programs on issues relating to the precious liquid, green energy and revitalisation of the coffee culture.

In addition to these, he sponsors the Millennium Water Alliance, a multi-donor funded initiative to promote access to drinking water for communities threatened by lack of water.

Other African personalities who have been honored by UNESCO are former South African President Nelson Mandela and famous Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka among others.

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UNESCO Irina Bokova Kibaki named UNESCO Special Envoy for Water in Africa

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