Neighbourhood Kenya 20th Edition - Kara

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PERSPECTIVE Italian Ambassador: The future is bright for Kenya/Italy diplomatic relations In life it is not always that we live our dreams as circumstances at times force us to pursue interests that are different from our initial aspirations. However, Her Excellency Paola Imperiale, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya and Seychelles, is living her dreams as her childhood ambition was to be a diplomat. It is clear from interacting with her that she is passionate about diplomatic issues and has spent most ofher life serving her country in various capacities in the diplomatic circles. A graduate of Political Science and Law from University of Rome, she started her career in 1975 and has risen through the H.E. Paola Imperiale, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya and Seychelles. At present, the Italian Government is funding 19 projects in Kenya worth Kshs.60 billion in priority areas of water, health, urban development and emergencies ranks to her current position. She also undertook professional training at the Italian Diplomatic Institute in the early part of her career. While she has spent her career life in diplomatic circles, it is the fi rst time she is representing her country as an Ambassador. She has been in Kenya since March 2011 and is proud of the cordial relations between the two countries. “At present, the Italian Government is funding 19 projects in Kenya worth Kshs.60 billion in priority areas of water, health, urban development and emergencies,” she explains. Through the Kenya Italy Debt for 6.
PERSPECTIVE Development Programme (KIDDP), the Italian Government has been supporting Kenya to reduce its external debt burden while at the same time sustaining its efforts towards achieving the development targets set by the national policies and Millennium Development Goals. On Humanitarian assistance, an initiative worth Kshs.120 million has been approved to support 332,000 Somali refugees in Dadaab camps . Apart from development initiatives, the Ambassador is also keen to enhance the diplomatic relations between Kenya and Italy through promotion of cultural practices. In this regard, she invited a renowned Italian Orchestra to perform in Kenya last year and hopes that such initiatives will provide platforms for Kenyans and Italians to learn from each other in terms of their cultural practices. Despite the good relations between the two countries, she says there is still much to be done regarding the bi-lateral economic ties and she is determined to enhance the ties during her tour of duty. The envoy says that one strong attribute that Kenya has is the vibrant media. “The media in Kenya, just like in other countries, plays a signifi cant role in keeping the public informed on various political and socioeconomic issues and this is very important for the growth of the country,” she explains. She sees the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya as the main priority for Kenyans and reaffi rms her country’s commitment to ensure the process is on track. Regarding the ongoing situation in Somalia, the Ambassador calls for patience to allow the international organs such as the United Nations Security Council to make an informed decision that will lead to a long lasting solution. Her position on the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) process in regards to the 2007 post election violence is that the ICC should be allowed to fulfi ll its mandate under the Rome Statute and ensure justice is delivered. Ms. Imperiale’s typical day is spent reading historical books of ancient and medieval ages. She also likes gardening and walking as a way of exercising. She has no specifi c mentor: “I draw inspiration from fellow colleagues who have helped shape my diplomatic career and I can say that they are my mentors,” she says. What constitutes happiness for her “I think that happiness is a very big word with a lot of meaning. It is diffi cult to reach happiness during your own human life. Happiness includes constant efforts to try and avoid bad things and get the good aspects of a situation. Happiness must transcend material possession, it must be an effort to change one’s personality especially the negatives bits and to accept the others for who they are,” she explains. She has a son who is currently a student at a university in Italy. She has a younger brother whom she has a lot of affection for and is a lawyer back in Italy. When she fi nally calls it a day in her diplomatic career, she hopes to put to use her legal training and start practising law. 7.
Page 1: MARCH 2012 20TH EDITION neighbourho
Page 4 and 5: COVER STORY From Page 3 New justice
Page 8 and 9: security Police Reforms: Is a civil
Page 10 and 11: FOCUS As 2012 maneuvers the teethin
Page 12 and 13: ADVERTORIAL HIGH QUALITY MEAT PRODU
Page 14 and 15: TRANSPORT Mixed reactions over phas
Page 16 and 17: ECONOMY Cartels reap from miseries
Page 18 and 19: INFRASTRUCTURE Blessings and curse
Page 20 and 21: MESSAGE NEWS One of the key pillars
Page 22 and 23: NEWS 02 Feb - KARA Lamu County Prof
Page 24: Partnerships for the awards are inv

Neighbourhood Kenya 20th Edition - Kara

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