DP Gachagua arrives in Rome ahead of UN Summit

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has arrived in Rome to attend a three-day high-level United Nations Food Systems Summit Stock.

Gachagua departed the country on Saturday accompanied by his spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi to represent President William Ruto in the Summit.

The Summit is set to kick off on Monday, July 23, 2023.

"We thank our country's Ambassador to Italy Jackline Ndonga for the warm reception," Gachagua said.

He said the Summit allows Kenya to showcase its effort in strengthening food systems.

"The high-level Summit provides Kenya with a timely opportunity to showcase what we are doing as a government to enhance our food systems amid the vagaries of Climate Change and other emerging challenges," Gachagua said.

"With the intervening programmes such as the fertilizer subsidy initiative and the comprehensive reforms we are rolling out in key agricultural sub-sectors, we are on track to achieve our target of ensuring the country's food security."

On Monday morning, the DP will deliver the keynote address on financing food systems with a special focus on Kenya's food systems transformation initiative.

His address will set the stage for the Heads of State session, to be attended by Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Mr Guterres, to discuss the critical issue of food security.

The Summit will also discuss, at length, the school meals programme in which States also work with other partners in ensuring pupils in public primary schools receive food and balanced rations, to promote health and education.

Other delegates in attendance include; Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu and Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

The leaders will participate in key conversations on sustainable food systems and school meals programme among other crucial discussions.