5 UN Delegates Faint During Chaotic Registration at KICC

Five delegates were admitted in hospital on Tuesday morning after fainting amid a chaotic registration at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held at KICC.

Over 6000 world leaders including heads of state and representatives from NGOs flocked Nairobi to attend the Summit that kicked off on November 12.

A section of delegates at the Nairobi Summit: PHOTO COURTESY

Apart from the chaotic process of registration, heavy traffic has also been experienced on major roads in the capital, as some sections had been closed to facilitate the movement of VIP officials.

This year’s conference is dedicated to highlighting the theme of gender equality and improving the well being of women & girls.

President Uhuru has taken the lead in defending the rights of women and children against barbaric acts like early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The conference raised anxiety from political and religious leaders in the country as it is set to address a topic on same-sex marriages.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and UNFPA Executive Director: PHOTO COURTESY

On November 9, religious leaders led by the Chairman of Kenya Catholic Church Bishops (KCCB), Phillip Anyolo, expressed displeasure over the summit, arguing that it could be used to promote immorality.

“We reject the introduction of ideologies centred on gender and other alien practices that go against our African culture and our religious heritage,” said Archbishop Anyolo.

On Sunday, Deputy President William Ruto came to the defence of the conference saying that the government would not allow the introduction of practices that contradict the teachings of the Bible.

“We will stand firm as leaders to oppose any teachings and issues that go against our stand as Christians,” he stated.

According to the Nairobi Summit organizers, the summit will be covering five themes namely;

  1. Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights as a part of universal health coverage.
  2. Financing required to complete the ICPD Programme of Action, and to sustain the gains made.
  3. Drawing on demographic diversity to drive economic growth and achieve sustainable development.
  4. Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.
  5. Upholding the right to sexual and reproductive health care even in humanitarian and fragile contexts.

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