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Marytise Vambayi and Vongai Chinjeke
In celebration of the Wangari Maathai Day on Friday, the Kenyan embassy was joined by Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Oliver Chidawu, in a clean-up exercise at Mbare Market.
The programme was held under the theme “Environmental Diplomacy — Supporting Clean Environments for Business Progress”.
This day comes after the African Union designated March 3, which was already the Africa Environment Day, as Wangari Maathai Day, in recognition of the contribution of Professor Wangari Maathai to Africa’s environmental protection in many ways.
In 2004, Professor Maathai became the first African woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize “for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace”.
This year marks 11 years since Prof Maathai’s death.
Speaking at the occasion, Kenyan Ambassador, Stella Munyi, said they were dedicating the celebration of Wangari Maathai Day by focusing on the environment and climate change issues, being part of Kenya’s Foreign Policy focus under the Environmental Diplomacy pillar.
“The late Professor Wangari Maathai was renowned Nobel Peace laureate and was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004) for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. She was an environmental conservation advocacy icon,” she said.
Ambassador Munyi said Mbare market was a key source of agricultural products as a distribution centre and retail market for consumers.
“It is a thriving economy that facilitates lives and livelihoods to the informal sector, through provision of employment opportunities so it is imperative to provide an enabling environment which will go a long way in supporting business activities in this market,” she said.
“The clean-up exercise today is part of our little contribution towards this effort.”
Ambassador Munyi said participation in the clean-up exercise was a manifestation of their support to the call by President Mnangagwa on the National Clean-up exercise.
“We are, therefore, partners with the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe in this clarion call of cleaning up our environment,” she said.
Minister Chidawu said the event symbolised positive collaboration between African countries in solving common challenges.
“We are enthused because our Kenyan counterparts have chosen to celebrate this special day in a unique way by cleaning-up our environment,” he said.
“We are indeed grateful to the Republic of Kenya for deciding to honour the legacy of Professor Wangari Maathai by cleaning up Mbare market.”
Minister Chidawu hailed Ambassador Munyi and her staff for continuing to strengthen the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Online Reporter