Gachagua in Italy for UN food summit

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday night left for Italy to attend a three-day United Nations Food Systems Summit.

The summit which is scheduled to kick off on Monday, July 24, 2023, will be attended by Italy's prime minister Georgia Meloni and SG Gutteres.

Other Heads of State and Governments, UN agencies such as the Food Agriculture Organisation, and the World Food Programme among others are also expected to attend the high-level meeting aimed at addressing food security across nations.

Gachagua who is attending the summit on behalf of President William Ruto is expected to address matters concerning Kenya's Food Systems Transformative Initiative on Monday.

This is aimed as part of stocktaking of the commitment of the governments, states and various stakeholders in combating hunger and malnutrition.

The DP is also expected to share details of the country's progress since school meals were rolled out in 1980. He will also address measures to address the high cost of living through subsidising production compared to consumption.

Later in the evening, the DP will interact with Kenyans in Italy during a dinner event at the Westin Hotel in Rome. During the interaction, Gachagua is expected to listen to the concerns of the Kenyan citizens and take note of any concerns addressed.

He will also engage Italy's prime minister Meloni in talks that aim at strengthening bilateral ties between Kenya and Italy.

Later on Tuesday, Gachagua is expected to hold a breakfast meeting hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the convener of the COP28 in December.

The DP will go into detail on how the school meals programme has impacted climate change.

Kenya's ambassador to Italy Jackline Nyong'a said the country's participation at the summit is vital in fostering food security in thee country.

"This is a high-level meeting. It is significant to Kenya to shine and also seek partnership on fostering food security," she said.