Neighbourhood Kenya 20th Edition - Kara

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.