President Kenyatta chairs the Third Cabinet Meeting for 2018, oversees the approval of 12 Cabinet Papers

H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta chaired the Third Cabinet Meeting for 2018 today at State House, Nairobi, during which the Cabinet considered and approved the following Cabinet Papers:

Revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line as a Mechanism for Growing the Blue Economy

Cabinet approved the proposed revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL) as a mechanism for growing the blue economy. The company which is owned by the Government together with three other foreign shareholders is nearing insolvency on account of lack of business. The recovery strategy proposed among other things, giving the company the sole mandate to handle Government cargo.

2. Nuclear Regulatory Bill, 2017

Cabinet approved the proposed Nuclear Regulatory Bill, 2017. The proposed Bill is aimed at repealing the Radiation Protection Act and providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for radiation and nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards to control radiation sources, nuclear materials and associated waste.

Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2018

Cabinet also approved the proposed Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2018. The Bill places emphasis on human rights approach towards the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya, and social responsibility to protect and promote them.

The National Policy to Support Enhancement of County Governments’ Own-Source Revenue and the County Governments’ (Revenue Raising Process) Bill, 2018

Cabinet approved the National Policy to Support Enhancement of County Governments’ Own-Source Revenue and the County Governments’ (Revenue Raising Process) Bill, 2018. The proposed policy is geared towards addressing the challenges County Governments are encountering in revenue collection, mitigating their negative effects and assisting the Counties to optimise own-sources revenue.

Approval to Restructure the National Youth Service (NYS).

Cabinet approved the proposed restructuring of the National Youth Service (NYS), to deal with the serious managerial and operational challenges that have been reported at the Organisation in the recent past. It is proposed that a raft of measures be put in place. Key among these are the establishment of an oversight board which will effectively make the organisation a body cooperate with a Director General as the CEO. It is also proposed that a clean-up of the Supply Chain Management function as well as budgetary and Internal Audit reforms be undertaken, among other measures.

Kenya’s Candidature to the United Nations Security Council for the Term 2021-2022

Cabinet granted approval for Kenya to vie for a non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for two years (2021-2022), at the elections to be held during the 74^th session of the UN in 2020. Membership of the UN Security Council will enhance Kenya’s influence in international decision making, particularly matters of peace and security for the benefit of the nation and the region at large. A campaign strategy has already been drawn.

The Privately Initiated Investment Proposal for Likoni Cable Car

Cabinet approved a privately initiated investment proposal to develop a cable car system to address the human traffic challenges across the Likoni channel. The project which will be sponsored by a Kenyan and Austrian company will be capable of moving 5,500 passengers per direction per hour (or 11,000 passengers per hour in both directions). It is estimated to cost Kshs.4.1 billion and will be implemented as a 25 years Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) PPP.

Establishment of the National Kiswahili Council

Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Kiswahili Council. This proposal is in line with Article 137 of the East African Community Treaty which provides that Kiswahili shall be promoted, developed and used as “Lingua franca” of the Community. The Council will be a consultative body whose functions will include improving Government Policy on developing, protecting and supporting Kiswahili and coordinating the work of national and regional associations, cultural entities, educational and other Organisations working in the area of Kiswahili

Host Country Agreement between the Government of Kenya and Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA)

Cabinet approved the elevation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between Kenya and TMEA into a Host Country Agreement. TMEA was set up by the participating development partners of the EAC as an agency or multi-donor vehicle for joint coordination, and execution of partners’ support of the integration of the EAC.

Hosting the 123^rd Session of the International Coffee Organisation’s Council Meeting in April, 2019

Cabinet granted approval for Kenya to host the 123^rd Session of the International Coffee Council which is scheduled to be held from 8thth to 12^th April, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The International Coffee organisation (ICO) is the main Inter-Governmental Organisation for Coffee which brings together Coffee producing and consuming countries to discuss Coffee issues. The International Coffee Council is ICOs governing body. The meeting will provide an opportunity for Member Countries to discuss wide ranging issues in the Sector as well as crate an opportunity to market Kenyan Coffee.

11.The 24^th International Grasslands Congress (IGC) and 11^th International Rangelands Congress

Cabinet approved the hosting of the joint 24^th International Grasslands Congress (IGC) and the 11^th International Rangelands Congress (IRC) to be held in Nairobi from 24^th to 31^st October, 2020. Hosting the joint IRC and IGC congress in Kenya will aid in reigniting and galvanising interest and investment in range and grassland research and development for the betterment of the livestock industry.

Hosting of the Global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi 26^th – 28^thNovember, 2018

Cabinet granted approval for Kenya to host the Global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference (SBEC) which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 26^th to 28^thNovember, 2018. The Conference will bring together over 4000 participants to discuss issues pertaining to a blue economy strategy that promotes people Centered Sustainable Investments in the Sector. By hosting the Conference, Kenya will affirm its appreciation of the importance of conserving and using sustainably our Water resources. Hosting all the above Conferences will not only create an avenue for exchange of experiences and ideas but will also help in promoting Kenya as a favourable tourism and conferencing destination. The local hospitality industry will also benefit from increased business that will come with the many local and foreign delegates that will attend.