Displaced persons will be catered for by the State
Posted by African Press International on January 31, 2008
President launches humanitarian fund
Written By:pps
President Mwai KibakiWednesday launched the National Humanitarian Fund For Mitigation of Effects And Resettlement of Victims Of Post-2007 Election Violence.
Speaking during the launch of the endowment fund that will have an initial capital allocation of one billion Kenya shillings at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, President Kibaki said that the fund will assist those whose lives have been shattered by the recent violence.
He pointed out that fund will address the plight of Kenyans whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the violence by catering for their basic needs and by providing the support needed to enable them reconstruct and restart their normal lives.
“The object and purpose of this fund is to provide funding for the resettlement of persons displaced as a result of the violence; the replacement of basic house-hold effects destroyed as a result of the violence as well as providing the resources needed to enable victims of the violence to restart their normal lives,” President Kibaki said.
The President said the fund will also provide funding for the reconstruction of basic housing, rehabilitation of community utilities and institutions destroyed as a result of the violence, adding that the fund shall consist of monies appropriated by Parliament as well as grants and donations.
In view of resource constraints, President Kibaki appeal to the country’s development partners, relief organizations and men and women of goodwill to assist the Government in meeting the needs of those affected by contributing generously towards the fund.
He also appealed to all Kenyans to extend a helping hand, in cash or kind, to their brothers and sisters currently suffering as a result of the violence.
The President observed that the violence that has been experienced in the country in the last few weeks has resulted in a serious humanitarian crisis that is unprecedented in the history of the country.
President Kibaki said: “Over 800 Kenyans’ lives have been lost. The senseless violence has also forced nearly 300,000 Kenyans to flee from their homes. Indeed, during my visits to console displaced persons in Cherangany, Eldoret and Burnt Forest, I was dismayed by the suffering of these innocent Kenyans.”
“I am particularly saddened to note that children and women have borne the worse effects of the violence,” the Head of State added.
Saying his Government is fully aware that addressing the humanitarian crisis is treating the effects rather than the real cause of the problem currently afflicting the country, the President stressed that he will remain fully committed to the national dialogue being spearheaded by Kofi Annan, Benjamin Mkapa and Graca Machel.
“As I clearly pointed out yesterday during the launch of the process aimed at addressing the political situation in our country Kenya, I reiterate my unwavering support and that of my entire government to this process,” President Kibaki said.
He urged all other parties to uphold the same commitment in order to work out long-term solutions to the underlying issues that have caused the current crisis.
While the national dialogue process moves on, the Head of State appealed to all leaders and Kenyans in general to maintain peace, law and order.
President Kibaki particularly urged politicians and their supporters to avoid making pronouncements or engaging in violent activities and instead to commit themselves to maintaining and promoting peace in the country.
The President also encouraged leaders at all levels of society to reach out to their followers and preach peace.
On its part, the President said his Government will not waver on its statutory obligation to maintain law and order, adding that those who have no respect for human life or private property will not be tolerated.
He said the Government will not hesitate to take strong measures against those who attempt to create or perpetuate situations of insecurity in order to loot property belonging to others.
“Moreover, our country believes in the rule of law, and therefore those who are victims of violence should not take the law into their own hands, but should report the perpetrators to the law enforcement authorities,” President Kibaki said.
President Kibaki, once again, assured Kenyans that the country’s security agencies are under strict orders to take stern and firm action against those financing, inciting and engaging in actual acts of violence and sabotage.
He thanked the United Nations Agencies and all those who have already contributed towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in the country.
The President also commended the Kenya Red Cross, who have been the Government lead agency in offering humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.
Other speakers included Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Special Programs Minister Dr. Naomi Namsi Shaban.
Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.kbc.ke
