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President William Ruto is on Wednesday set to make his inaugural address at the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the president will also hold bilateral talks with several Heads of State and Government during the four-day meeting.

“Participation at the highest level in the UNGA is particularly important for Kenya as the country seeks to complete the second year of its non-permanent membership to the United Nations Security Council,” a statement from the Ministry indicated.

It said that at the bilateral level, President Ruto will lead Kenya’s quest to harness relations with the United States of America guided by the 5 pillars bilateral strategic dialogue partnership.

“The Head of State will also attend to a working session with senior representatives of the American businesses during which he will urge for increased trade and investment between the two countries.”

It indicated that the president will also seize the opportunity to engage other select World leaders on priority areas of bilateral relations.

In his capacity as Coordinator, President Ruto will also chair a meeting of the Conference of African Heads of State on Climate Crisis (CAHOSCC).

The statement pointed out that at United Nations Headquarters, Kenya will seek to promote its Foreign Policy at the multilateral system including “enhancing participation in the quest for realization of SDGs and global leadership in emerging issues including climate change.”

The 77th UNGA coincides with the worst drought in the Horn of Africa with many countries in the region including Kenya experiencing unprecedented effects in the last forty years. Source: Capital News

 

South Sudan has bought a piece of land in Djibouti for the construction of a harbour in its latest effort to find an alternative to the port of Mombasa which is facing an onslaught from Dar-es-Salaam.

South Sudan has bought three acres of land at the port of Djibouti for the construction of a facility that will handle its import and export goods as Juba seeks to cut reliance on the Mombasa port in Kenya.

The latest development comes just two months after the Chamber of Commerce in South Sudan said it will shift its cargo to the port of Djibouti, which it termed as convenient for the Africa’s youngest State.

“We have been only using Port Sudan and Mombasa but recently, we have decided to go to Djibouti and as I am speaking to you, we have land in Djibouti,” South Sudan Minister for Petroleum Puot Kang Chol is quoted by local media.

The minister said the land was procured by the Ministry of Petroleum for the purpose of exporting the country’s crude oil as well as use it on imported goods. If effected, the move will hit the port of Mombasa given that Juba is one of Kenya’s largest clients.

Mombasa has been the main route for all consignments destined to the landlocked country with South Sudan importing nearly all of its cargo through the Kenyan port.

Mr Chol said they were ready to facilitate and stock goods destined for South Sudan through Djibouti.

“If any of you have goods, and you want to bring them through Djibouti, we have a land, we will have a space for you to accommodate your materials [or] whatever you want to bring,” said the official.

South Sudan is the second country in terms of cargo throughput volumes at the Mombasa port after Uganda, accounting for 9.9 percent of transit volumes. Uganda accounts for 83 percent of all throughput cargo followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda at 7.2, 3.2 and 2.4 percent in that order.

Kenya Ports Authority managing director John Mwangemi said South Sudan is one of their largest clients but they can choose a preferred facility. “I am not aware of the development in South Sudan but the government there can make a choice on which port to use,” said Mr Mwangemi.

The announcement by South Sudan comes just a few days after President William Ruto issued a directive for all inbound cargo to be cleared in Mombasa, dealing a blow to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Naivasha.

Kenya allocated South Sudan land in Naivasha for the construction of a dry port, which would see goods destined to Juba cleared at the ICD facility to save truckers the long journey to Mombasa. Kenya has also allocated a piece of land to Uganda to clear its goods in Naivasha.

Dr Ruto promised during the election campaigns to return the port services to Mombasa if elected as President in the August election. - GERALD ANDAE, The EastAfrican

  • A collage image of President Yoweri Museveni (left) and President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania during President William Ruto's inauguration on September 13, 2022 (right). KENYANS.CO.KE 
  • Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, has expressed his displeasure at the European Union (EU) Parliament for disapproving the Ksh421 billion oil pipeline deal it signed with Tanzania in 2021

    Tanzania was preferred over Kenya, with Museveni's administration claiming that Kenya lacked an efficient road system and would thus delay the project.

    In a statement on Friday, September 16, Museveni argued that the project will go on as projected despite the EU Parliament sanctioning the project over human rights and environmental issues. 

    The EU parliament had warned its member states against financing the project over the concerns activists had raised.

    File photo of KPC Pipeline
    File photo of KPC Pipeline FILE KENYA PIPELINE

    In response, Museveni stated that his government would seek other development partners to fund the project if the initial contractors bail out of their agreement. The 1,443km pipeline is projected to run from Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga Port in Tanzania.  

    "We should remember that Total Energies convinced me about the pipeline idea; if they choose to listen to the EU Parliament, we shall find someone else to work with.

    "Either way, we shall have our oil coming out by 2025 as planned. So, the people of Uganda should not worry," Museveni stated in a statement. 

    His response was also issued minutes after Uganda's deputy speaker and the attorney general raised concerns over the EU's censure. 

    The deputy speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, stated that the motion seemed premised on allegations of potential environmental impacts, human rights violations and climate change targets.

    "I believe formal communication of this motion by the European Parliament will be made and a formal response will be made," Tabeywa stated. 

    Human and Environmental Issues  

    The EU Parliament wants Uganda to release activists and journalists who were reportedly apprehended and intimidated for opposing the project

    Among the victims are Maxwell Atuhura, an environmental rights defender and Federica Marsi, an Italian journalist, who has been in custody since May 25, 2021. 

    President Uhuru Kenyatta(left) alongside his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni
    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta(left) alongside his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni TWITTER

    Uganda Prefers Tanzania Over Kenya

    Uganda settled on Tanzania, then under the late President John Pombe Magufuli, stating that dealing with their neighbour would be more cost-effective.

    A detailed report ascertained that it was difficult to secure land in Kenya as it took nearly two years to compensate land owners, unlike in Tanzania where the government owns all the land. 

    Kenya switched focus to building its Ksh121.45 billion pipeline from Lokichar, Turkana County, to Lamu.  

    “The pipeline route from Hoima to Lokichar to Lamu is the best option for Uganda given that Kenya will charge them cheaper compared to Tanzania per barrel of crude oil transported through the pipeline,” former Energy Cabinet Secretary, Charles Keter stated. 

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was keen on partnering with Uganda in constructing the pipeline that would have seen Kenyan transport over 100,000 barrels of oil per day.By Washington Mito, Kenyans.co.ke

Subsequently, during inquiry, the authorities came to know that the drugs were concealed in pallets and were hidden in his stomach. (File)

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on Thursday arrested a 50-year-old Congo national for allegedly trying to smuggle 1.5 kilogram of cocaine in the city. The sources in the agency revealed that the person was trying to smuggle the drugs stuffed in 115 pallets concealed inside his body.

According to the DRI officials, the Congo national, identified as Alfa Tsouke, was detained eleven days ago from the Mumbai international airport. “We received a tip-off that a person is trying to smuggle cocaine. Accordingly, we laid a trap and took the Congo national in custody. He was detained on suspicion,” said an official.

Subsequently, during inquiry, the authorities came to know that the drugs were concealed in pallets and were hidden in his stomach. The Congo national was then taken to JJ hospital, where X-ray screening showed presence of some foreign material in his stomach. Tsouke was admitted to a hospital and after eleven days, he purged out 115 pallets that contained cocaine. By: Express News Service, The Indian Express

Queen Elizabeth II's coffin conveyed on a Gun Carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster - Jamie Lorriman© Jamie Lorriman

Thousands of military personnel will be on parade throughout the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The ministry in a statement said around 4,000 military personnel in total would be on parade, including Commonwealth personnel. However, the actual figure is higher, as it does not include logistic and other supporting staff.

There will be more than 3,000 personnel involved in the procession from Westminster to Westminster Abbey, the state funeral and the procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, with over 1,650 personnel forming part of the procession.

Here is a list of the military units taking part in the late Queen's funeral and their roles explained:

Royal Marines

The Royal Marines are the amphibious troops of the Royal Navy and specialise in frontline combat operations. They have been deployed to multiple environments across the globe, including deserts, jungles and the Arctic, throughout their 358-year history. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they also assisted to help run testing centres and support local communities.

 
Members of the Armed Forces return to Victoria Barracks following a full ceremonial rehearsal on September 17 - Leon Neal
Members of the Armed Forces return to Victoria Barracks following a full ceremonial rehearsal on September 17 - Leon Neal© Provided by The Telegraph

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery

The saluting battery of the Household troops, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, led the procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday, September 14.

Her Majesty's flag-draped coffin moved in procession on a gun carriage. The unit has six 13-pounder quick-fire guns, built between 1913 and 1918.

The quick-fire guns have all been used in the First and Second World Wars, but are also used regularly for royal salutes in Hyde Park, Green Park or Windsor Great Park for state occasions and to mark royal anniversaries and royal birthdays.

It was King George VI’s wish that after the war a troop of Royal Horse Artillery, mounted and dressed in the traditional manner, should be formed to take part in the great ceremonies of state. On her accession, Queen Elizabeth II declared that the name The King’s Troop would remain in his honour.

 
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the royal standard with the Imperial State Crown on top, is transported on a gun carriage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery - Shutterstock
The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the royal standard with the Imperial State Crown on top, is transported on a gun carriage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery - Shutterstock© Provided by The Telegraph

The Royal Regiment of Artillery

The Royal Artillery provides firepower to the British Army and has been involved in nearly every battle and operation the Army has fought in its 300-year history.

It remains responsible for finding the enemy using a range of high-tech equipment, striking them using everything from explosive shells to advanced precision rockets.

Queen Elizabeth II became Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery on February 6, 1952, when she acceded to the throne. 

The Household Cavalry

The Household Cavalry is one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, dating back to 1660. It consists of the two most senior regiments in the British Army: The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons).

The two units are divided into The Household Cavalry Regiment, which conducts operational military roles, and The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, concerned mainly with ceremonial duties. The Household Cavalry has always served as The Sovereign’s personal bodyguard. 

The Life Guards

Formed in 1660, the regiment was originally a group of loyal gentlemen who accompanied King Charles II to the continent during his exile (1652-59). 

Related video: Queen Elizabeth's funeral will be the 'largest operation in history' 

Queen Elizabeth's funeral will be the 'largest operation in history

They formed themselves into a military bodyguard to protect the Sovereign, with eighty of them escorting His Majesty back to England at the Restoration in 1660.

The regiment has always remained the senior regiment of the British Army. The troops were re-organised in 1788 into the 1st and 2nd Regiments of Life Guards, and remained as such until 1922, when they were amalgamated into one regiment known as The Life Guards.

 
Members of the Band of the Grenadier Guards march down the High Street in Windsor following an early morning rehearsal for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II - Andrew Matthews
Members of the Band of the Grenadier Guards march down the High Street in Windsor following an early morning rehearsal for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II - Andrew Matthews© Provided by The Telegraph

The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons)

The regiment was created in 1969 by the amalgamation of two famous cavalry regiments, the Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Dragoons.

The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) were descended from a parliamentary regiment of horse, which King Charles II re-raised when founding the Regular British Army in 1661.

They were always known as The Blues due to the colour of their tunics. The regiment became a favourite of King George III and were promoted to Household Cavalry status in 1813. 

Union to form The Household Cavalry

The Life Guards formed a union with The Blues and Royals in 1992 as part of an overall reduction in the size of the Army. The Household Cavalry consists of an operational armoured reconnaissance regiment, stationed in Windsor, as well as a ceremonial cavalry regiment stationed in Hyde Park.

Each regiment is staffed equally by soldiers of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals. Many of the Household Cavalry personnel involved in the ceremonies this week have seen service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Gulf (1991), Iraq and Afghanistan, as they alternate their service between the operational and ceremonial regiments.

 The Grenadier Guards

The Grenadier Guards is one of the oldest and most iconic regiments in the British Army. They are the senior infantry regiment in the British Army and currently specialise in light infantry operations.

The regiment has partaken in almost every major campaign since the Second World War, including operations in Malaya, Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards is the senior company within the brigade of guards and the late Queen was the company commander.

The company will continue to be called ‘The Queen’s Company’ until the King orders a change of name. The company is responsible for protecting the body of the monarch in life and in death.

 
The marching band of the Grenadier Guards takes part in a ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall - Anadolu
The marching band of the Grenadier Guards takes part in a ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall - Anadolu© Provided by The Telegraph

The Coldstream Guards

The Coldstream Guards are infantry soldiers and have fought in most of the major conflicts the British Army has been engaged in.

They specialise in light role operations including performing reconnaissance, operating machine guns and mortars, and engaging enemy troops on foot and in light vehicles.

Formed under the command of General George Monck, the Coldstream Guards has origins that date back to the English Civil War, but it was officially named The Coldstream Guards in 1855. 

The Irish Guards

The Irish Guards are known affectionately throughout the Army as ‘the Micks’ and St Patrick’s Day is the traditional celebration of the Irish Guards.

Prince William is the Honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards. The regiment was raised by order of Queen Victoria in April 1900 in response to acts of gallantry by Irish units during the Boer War (1899-1902). It gained its first colours in May 1902 by King Edward VII.

 
Around 4,000 military personnel are estimated to be on parade however the actual figure will be higher - Jeff Gilbert
Around 4,000 military personnel are estimated to be on parade however the actual figure will be higher - Jeff Gilbert© Provided by The Telegraph

The Scots Guards

The Scots Guards have a dual ceremonial and warfighting role due to being a Household Division regiment, allowing soldiers to serve in both the ceremonial role in F Company and within the battalion as a mechanised infantry soldier.

The regiment was formed in 1642 by Charles I to be his royal guard and to support the crown in Ireland. In 2021, the battalion was deployed around the country to provide mobile Covid-19 testing units as part of the pandemic response.

Fifty members of the battalion were also deployed to Manchester to help hospitals during staff shortages. Then in 2022, the battalion was deployed to Dover to support the government in processing migrants arriving in the UK via the English Channel. 

The Welsh Guards

The Welsh Guards was formed during the peak of the First World War on February 26, 1915, by order of King George V.

The regiment saw some of the fiercest fighting during the First and Second World War. In 1982, the regiment formed part of the force sent to liberate the Falkland Islands following the invasion by Argentina.

In recent years, the battalion has served on operational tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and three tours of Afghanistan. By Chanel Zagon, Telegraph

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