Raila Odinga lands a lucrative Africa Union job

African Union appoints NASA and ODM leader Raila Odinga as High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, President Uhuru Kenyatta has confirmed.

Kenyatta confirmed this during his speech at the Madaraka Day Celebrations held at Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium. Uhuru said the position came after the recent handshake between the two leaders.

He hopes that Raila Will now use the position to ensure Kenya’s infrastures including roads are taken care off.   The Opposition Chief will also be expected to mobilize further political support from Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and facilitating greater ownership by all concerned stakeholders on the continent.

His new mandate also includes a focus on the continental high-speed train, which is one of the flagship projects of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063.

In the discharge of his mandate, the High Representative will pay particular attention to the missing links along the transnational highway corridors identified as part of the Trans-African Highways Network, with a view to facilitating their development and modernization.

Raila will also interact with the current Champions of related African Union initiatives and seek their guidance, to ensure the required synergy and coherence. A statement by Africa Union on his appointment was sent by Chairperson Moussa Mahamat appointed

He said”This decision is part of the African Union’s drive to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development,” Mahamat said.

“He will also support the Commission and NEPAD initiatives to encourage increased commitment from development partners. “Raila brings with him a rich political experience and strong commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African integration, as well as a deep knowledge of infrastructure development,” Mahamat said.

Raila has been Member of Parliament,and  he has held important ministerial portfolios, including Energy, Roads, Public Works, and Housing between 2001 and 2005. He has also served as Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *