Raila Odinga’s stint at African Union ends

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s time period because the African Union particular envoy for infrastructure improvement has ended following the arrange of an company to take over the continental mandate.

Mr Odinga was appointed because the Excessive Consultant for Infrastructure in Africa on October 20, 2018, throughout the management of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The African Union is in search of to expedite the combination of the continent by way of infrastructure, to advertise financial development and sustainable improvement.

“The transformation of the Nepad Company to African Union Improvement Company-Nepad has now been accomplished, with full mandate to implement the continental agenda on infrastructure,” AU Fee chair Moussa Faki Mahamat stated in a press release.

“Your position on this journey, Excellency, has been invaluable. Permit me to precise my profound gratitude for accepting to serve on this position throughout the transition interval, which has now come to a cheerful conclusion,”  Mr Mahamat added.

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Kenya’s International Affairs ministry confirmed the event.

Finish of tenure notification. We thank the Rt.Hon @RailaOdinga for his service to the continental physique. pic.twitter.com/j2FUA9tdHg

— Korir Sing’Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) February 23, 2023

Mr Odinga’s appointment in 2018, gave him the mandate of constructing on the work and management of the AU Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative. He had two workplaces — one in Nairobi and the opposite within the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the place the AU is headquartered.

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Earlier than his AU appointment, Mr Odinga and Mr Kenyatta had ended their political variations after the 2017 polls by way of the well-known March 9, 2018 handshake that noticed the 2 work intently.