UNESCO mourns His Excellency Mr. Emilio Mwai Kibaki, Third President of the Republic of Kenya and UNESCO Special Envoy for Water in Africa

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi joins the rest of the world in mourning His Excellency Mr. Emilio Mwai Kibaki, Third President of the Republic of Kenya and UNESCO Special Envoy for Water in Africa who passed away on 22nd April 2022.

His Excellency Mr. Emilio Mwai Kibaki devoted his life to his country, playing a significant role in Kenya's independence, socio-economic transformation, peace and security, and in empowering youth and women. In addition, he was a dedicated advocate for Africa, making an outstanding contribution to the international community and diplomacy.

As UNESCO Special Envoy for Water in Africa, His Excellency Mr. Emilio Mwai Kibaki, showed his deep commitment to addressing water-related issues and raising awareness on the importance of water education in national policies, conveying UNESCO hydrological messages to political leaders about sustainable water management and acting as an interlocutor between governments and UNESCO. During his tenure, he advocated for making education central to water initiatives, encouraged sustainable water management, and supported access to safe water in communities.

Education is now the most important factor of production. No one, no country can be competitive without massive investment in education. We must therefore ensure all our children have access to quality education. This is the only way of giving them a fair chance in life in today's world. But it should not just be education. We must look at the particular bodies of knowledge and skills that are driving economies around the world and that will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Let us focus on these areas and others that are relevant to the needs of our country and the world market.

H.E. President Mwai Kibaki

We will remember President Mwai Kibaki for carrying highly UNESCO key areas of competencies in Kenya and Africa. His contribution in the education sector from nursery to university with one of his outstanding accomplishment being the introduction of Free Primary Education in Kenya. He also built the foundation for the TVET sub-sector in Kenya for young people to acquire vital skills for decent and quality employment. He strongly advocated for the integration of Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa's development. All this clearly indicates his commitment in promoting education for all and championing the principles of leaving no one behind.

Prof. Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa, joined the diplomatic community in signing the condolence book and represented UNESCO in President Mwai Kibaki State Funeral Service in Nairobi. He also had the opportunity to meet President Mwai Kibaki's daughter Judy, and with respect extended UNESCO deepest sympathies to the family.

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi reiterates its most sincere condolences to the family of President Mwai Kibaki, the Government and people of Kenya, Africa and indeed the rest of the world on this tragic loss of a great leader.