President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged African countries to come up with mechanisms that bridge regional gaps to unite the continent.
President Kenyatta proposed the establishment of a continental Institute to train leaders from different countries on African leadership to be in a position to advance the cause of Pan-Africanism.
The President spoke at State House, Nairobi when he met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Equatorial Guinea Agapito Mba Mokuy who delivered a special message from his President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
“Kenya is a beneficiary of African unity and would wish to host such a training facility to instill a sense of ownership on Africans to advance the continent’s agenda in other forums,” President Kenyatta said.
He expressed his commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism that encourage the solidarity of Africans worldwide and unity which is vital to the continent’s economic, social and political progress.
The President said Kenya is willing and ready to work with other countries in the continent to ensure the African Union becomes self-financing in order to be able to drive its agenda.
He said it is unfortunate that some non-African financiers of the African Union were using the continent’s reliance on external grants to advance their agendas at the detriment of the continent.
“We should not allow non-Africans to take advantage of the continent’s inability to sustain itself for their selfish interests,” he said.
Among Africa’s issues, President Kenyatta said needs urgent attention, is the youth agenda which if not adequately addressed may be a future destabilizing factor in the continent.
President Kenyatta challenged the various AU commission organs to assist push the youth agenda in the continent.
The special envoy on his part, conveyed to President Kenyatta a condolence message from President Obiang following the death of the former First Lady Lucy Kibaki who was buried yesterday.
President Kenyatta extended an invitation to the President Obiang to visit Kenya any time of his convenience.
The talks were attended by Foreign Affairs cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.