Kenya reaffirms commitment to regional development at 22nd Horn of Africa Initiative Ministerial meeting

By Robert Mutasi 

John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary of Finance for the Republic of Kenya, reiterated Kenya's commitment to regional integration and finding shared challenges in the Horn of Africa during the 22nd Ministerial Meeting of the (HoAI) . 

The high-profile meeting brought together Finance Ministers from across the region and key development partners and took place at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Speaking during the meeting, CS Mbadi underscored the importance of HoAI launched in 2019 to inspire joint work among its member states.

 "The Horn of Africa Initiative gives us the platform that will finally enable us to tackle the regional challenges we face together with resolve," Mbadi said despite recognizing progress under his predecessor, Prof. Njuguna Ndung'ú's leadership.

He expressed confidence and determination for the same effort to be replicated as Kenya consolidates its position in leading regional integration.

The meeting was attended by Finance Ministers from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and South Sudan, and senior representatives of the European Commission, the UK, and Germany. 

Discussions focused on deepening cooperation within the region and on the advancement of key projects in infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic development.

CS Mbadi noted that the Bank, African Development Bank-AfDB, and the European Commission had been instrumental in the advancement of regional aspirations. 

He said that he was grateful for continued support by the partners, noting: "Your belief in our common vision has been instrumental in advancing the agenda of regional integration."

The Cabinet Secretary also took the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Nnenna Nwabufo on her recent appointment to the position of Vice President of the African Development Bank. 

Mbadi commended her enormous contribution to the East African region and celebrated her leadership in expanding the bank's portfolio across key sectors, including those dealing with climate resilience and economic development.

It has been active in the promotion of peace, security, and economic stability within the region, through what has come to be known as the Horn of Africa Initiative. 

The Kenyan leadership within this initiative has actively spearheaded the way to strengthen the social bond and catalyze economic integration within the Horn of Africa.

Hon. John Mbadi assured the region of his personal interest in continued close collaboration with leaders and development partners in the region while saying that the Horn of Africa Initiative must remain a venue for changed and positive realities and sustainable development.