The Government has reassured Kenyans of its commitment towards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).Dr. Edward Sambili, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 says the country’s 2010 Constitution is a springboard for the achievement of the MDGs especially eradication of extreme hunger and poverty.
Speaking during the opening of the MDGs National Conference at Serena hotel in Mombasa, Dr. Sambili noted that chapter four of the constitution on the bill of rights clearly articulates “the purpose of recognizing and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms is to preserve the dignity of individuals and communities and to promote social justice and the realization of the potential of all human beings.”
He said the implementation of the new constitution therefore provides a sustainable framework to accelerate the achievement of the MDGs including those currently lagging behind.
However, for the country to achieve all the eight goals by 2015, he said stakeholders must combine forces and work as a team towards implementing projects that directly contribute to the realization of the MDGs.
“With less than five years to go, a scaling up of resources and partnerships is essential to accelerate the pace of development,” said the Permanent Secretary.
Coast Provincial Commissioner Mr. Ernest Munyi echoed the Permanent Secretary’s sentiments and called upon civil society organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders to enhance their role in national development efforts and towards achievement of the MDGs.
“We need to promote good governance in Kenya as one way of enhancing achievement of the MDGs. We should therefore focus on promoting open engagement between the Government and all other stakeholders as well as free flow of information as we implement the New Constitution and accelerate the pace towards achievement of the MDGs by 2015,” said the PC in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy PC Mr. Hamasi Shivogo.
Addressing the same meeting, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Aeneas Chuma said for the MDGs to succeed, pro-poor policies are a prerequisite to ensure that all members of society especially the poor and other marginalized groups not only benefit from economic growth but also participate in the generation of that economic growth and prosperity.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ms. Fatou Leigh, he said the United Nations wants an inclusive economic growth that results in meaningful employment creation especially for the youth and women and a sustainable development that is less vulnerable to domestic and external shocks.
“Given that 2015 is only four years away, there is need for accelerated progress towards achieving the MDGs, towards ensuring that no woman dies through the special act of giving life to another, that we drastically reduce infant deaths and that we have a free, just and prosperous environment where all Kenyans and people within Kenya relish with joy the offerings of this beautiful country now and for future generations,” Chuma added.
He said the UN will continue to support Kenya to deepen institutional reforms which take into account and are sensitive to cultural and societal values that ordinary citizens can relate to noting that this would foster a faster response to development interventions.
The Government of Finland noted that a lot still needs to be done as 2015 draws near and urged stakeholders to accelerate inputs to help Kenya achieve the goals.
Ms. Piia Metsa-Tokila, the MDG Program Officer from the Embassy of Finland said achievement of these goals is very important because ultimately they lead to improved living conditions for all Kenyans.
“The main goal of Finland’s current development policy is to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable development in accordance with the UN Millennium Development Goals. In Kenya we have been supporting the Government to attain the Millennium Development Goals through very special MDGs program since 2005,” she said.

MDG goals at a glance
1.Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2.Achieve universal primary education
3.Promote gender equality and empower women
4.Reduce child mortality
5.Improve maternal health
6.Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
7.Ensure environmental sustainability
8.Develop a global partnership for development
Ends…………………………….
Nairobi – December 1, 2011
By Dave Buchere