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    "id": 384368,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/384368/?format=api",
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    "content": "(6) The President was in South Africa to consult President Zuma and canvas for the regional position in bringing stability to Somalia and the East and Horn Africa Regions. The President subsequently dispatched the Deputy President to further pursue the agenda with other key members of the AU such as Nigeria, Ghana, among others. (7) To establish a mechanism of African countries in enhancing intra-Africa trade and collaboration. (8) To work on instruments to promote regional investments and business. (9) To enhance communication between East and West Africa through regional infrastructure projects and other networks such as railway and road, to facilitate movement of goods and services so as to promote trade. Mr. Speaker, Sir, another question was: If the visit was a State function, how much did it cost the taxpayer? The travel expenses by the Deputy President and his delegation was financed by the Office of the Deputy President. The cost of travel was as follows:- (a) Kshs18.5 million for hire of chartered aircraft; and, (b) Kshs193,000 for quarter per diem allowance to members of the Deputy President’s delegation. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the hon. Senator also wanted to know what benefits the African visit would accrue to the Republic of Kenya. (1) The visit by His Excellency the Deputy President was successful in strengthening Kenya’s bilateral relations with the visited African countries and advancing Kenya’s trade interests in the western region. In particular, he was able to secure the support of Kenya’s position with respect to establishing a rapid deployment force to assist the AMISOM in taming Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab and other terrorist networks in Somalia. (2) Secure support for Kenya’s position on AMISOM in setting up local governance structures within the southern part of Somalia, so as to eliminate the flow of contraband goods into Kenya. (3) Secure support for the Government of Kenya’s proposed timetable of repatriation of over one million refugees back to their country and remove the strain and stress the refugees have caused in the local economy and on security. (4) Confirm a meeting of the heads of states of Nigeria and Ghana within the year to fast-track other bilateral business and investments agreements. (5) The Deputy President assembled information that is relevant for Kenya’s private sector which he will use as he chairs the private sector round table soon. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the specific benefits of the visit to the country are as follows:- In Nigeria, the Deputy President discussed with His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan, the President of the Republic of Nigeria, the joint economic co-operation agreement that will facilitate Kenya’s products to access Nigerian markets mainly, horticultural, dairy products and flowers that are on high demand in Abuja. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Deputy President concluded with His Excellency John Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana, the setting up of a Kenyan Embassy in Accra which has been outstanding for the last 16 years. They also agreed on a framework The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}