President Uhuru Kenyatta has jetted out of the country bound for United Kingdom to attend the third London Conference on Somalia where various world leaders will deliberate on accelerating the progress of security reforms in the war-torn country.
Speaking to the media yesterday, State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu affirmed that the conference will build on the international response to the ongoing drought and humanitarian crisis.
“The leaders will agree on the new international partnership needed to keep the Horn of Africa nation on course for increased peace and prosperity,” said Esipisu, adding that similar conferences were convened in 2012 and 2013.
In the 2012 London conference, he said, the international community zeroed in on the issues of terrorism, refugees, piracy and famine to quell instability in Somalia.
The world leaders agreed to fuel fresh momentum into the political process to strengthen the African Mission Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) in a bid to assist the country to come up with its own security forces and restore stability at the grassroots.
Esipisu affirmed that the Head of State will then proceed to Beijing in China where he is scheduled to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
During his visit to Kenya on March last year, the Duke of Cambridge—Prince William—paid a courtesy call on Uhuru at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed on areas of cooperation and close ties between Kenya and UK particularly on security and conservation.
President Kenyatta called on partnership between the two States to eradicate radicalization that precipitates terrorism.
Prince William lauded Kenya on its efforts in instilling peace in Somalia by fighting terrorism.
President Uhuru and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after being seen off by Deputy President William Ruto.
Other top government dignitaries included Cabinet Secretaries Joseph Nkaissery and Charles Keter, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.