The UNDAF 2018-2022 Signing Ceremony Statement by Mr. Henry Rotich, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury

On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I am pleased to welcome you this morning to this important meeting to witness Kenya and the UN sign the new phase of cooperation of the UNDAF 2018-2022. I would like at the outset to thank and appreciate the United Nations country team and all stakeholders who participated in the process of developing the UNDAF 2018-2022.

As you may be aware, the current Kenyan United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) that was signed and launched on 26th March 2014 is ending on 30th June, 2018. I must say that a lot has been achieved under this UNDAF and I want to thank all stakeholders who contributed to the success. The development of UNDAF 2018-2022 process commenced in May 2017. A road map to guide the process was developed in consultation with the Government of Kenya and other key stakeholders.

The roadmap was launched on 22nd June 2017 by the three UNDAF co-chairs. The development of UNDAF was informed by key lessons and recommendations from the UNDAF mid-term review and the final evaluation undertaken in June 2016 and December 2017, respectively. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I note with appreciation that the UN has pledged more resources for national priorities in the 2018 – 2022 Development Assistance Framework. The 21 specialized UN agencies based in Kenya will contribute about US$1.9 billion to implement the new UNDAF. On behalf of the Government, we are truly grateful for this support.

The main objective of the 5th generation of UNDAF is designed to support the government to deliver on the new Mid-term Plan III, the Big 4 and Vision 2030. The SDGs has also been included in the UNDAF 2018-2022. This will deepen efforts under the banner, of “leaving no one behind”, and supporting national development priorities towards realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the UNDAF 2018 – 2022 framework will guide the work and collaboration of the Government of Kenya and the United nations towards: i) Good governance, rule of law, human rights, gender and equality; ii) Sustainable and inclusive growth, environment and climate change; and iii) Equitable social and human capital development.

All the outcomes in this UNDAF, whose achievements will be evaluated every year, are designed to be strategic enablers and drivers for making the Big Four a reality. I am confident that through this approach the UN in Kenya will help in transforming Kenyan families by improving access to healthcare, ensuring food security and nutrition, as well as access to affordable homes and expand opportunities for our youth to contribute to nation building.

As I conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me thank the UN for the UNDAF Framework, which has brought all the UN agencies in Kenya to Deliver as One (DAO). The Framework has truly been a real partnership and has helped co-ordinate and harmonize implementation of our development programme. Under this Framework we will continue to Focus on Results; Inclusive Partnerships and
Transparency and Accountability.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Government of Kenya let me once more thank you for attending this meeting and witnessing the signing of the UNDAF programme document and the annual work plan for 2018/2019 financial year.

Thank you.