Kenya set to host Commonwealth Parliamentary conference
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Kenya will host a global conference for lawmakers in September to discuss technology, economic growth and climate change among others.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General William Shija who lauded the east African nation for the preparations so far in hosting 1,000 delegates said he was " encouraged" with the progress.
"This is an opportunity for Kenya to show what you can do, you have to make the most out of it," Shija told journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday.
"This time round, the delegates, mostly members of Parliament will convene in Nairobi to discuss issues such as technology, economic growth and climate change."
Shija said the CPA was still gathering more topics before coming up with a conclusive theme.
Meanwhile, President Mwai Kibaki has welcomed the decision to host the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Kenya.
Speaking when he held talks with Shija in Nairobi, President Kibaki said Kenya is well prepared to host the 56th Plenary of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference set for September this year.
A statement issued after the meeting said the President assured the CPA Secretary General that the government will provide all the logistical, security and any other support required to make the conference a success.
He noted that Kenya has been an active member of the Commonwealth and pointed out that a similar conference was last held in the country in October 1983.
During the meeting, President Kibaki and Shija also discussed new avenues of cooperation between the National Assembly of Kenya and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The CPA Secretary General reaffirmed his association's commitment to work with the Kenyan Parliament in promoting knowledge and understanding about parliamentary democracy and respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms.
The CPA conference in Nairobi will bring together close to 1, 000 delegates from the 54 countries of the Commonwealth. These include speakers, ministers, Members of Parliament and parliamentary officials.
Kenya contributes to various Commonwealth Organizations and Funds, specifically to the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, the Commonwealth Foundation and the Commonwealth Youth Programme.
Commonwealth assists Kenya through projects and activities implemented under the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation and the Commonwealth Secretariat's Regular Fund.
The assistance consists mainly of training courses, technical assistance, policy and advisory support, seminars and consultancies in the field of good governance, democracy, trade and investment, economic and financial management, poverty reduction and public sector reforms.
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