Raila Speaks After African Union Job Ends

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga issued a statement on Thursday, February 23 after his term as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure came to an end amidst changes in the body.

In a letter addressed to Raila by African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki, it was revealed that the organisation's infrastructure duties were being taken up by the African Union Development Agency - NEPAD.

Faki congratulated Raila for his exceptional leadership and unique command of the issues concerned, which has been crucial to the leveraging of infrastructure as a key priority within the Continental agenda.

"The transformation of the NEPAD Agency to the African Union Development Agency- NEPAD has now been completed, with a full mandate to implement the Continental agenda on infrastructure. Your role in this journey, Excellency, has been invaluable.

"Allow me to express my profound gratitude for accepting to serve in this role during the transition period, which has now come to a happy conclusion. The African Union hopes to continue counting on your support for other possible assignments," Faki wrote in part, wishing him the best in his future endeavours.

Raila on his part shared his intrigues during his meeting with the AU on the sidelines of the 2nd Dakar African Infrastructure Financing Summit in Dakar, Senegal about three weeks ago where he indicated the challenges to his continued availability for the role of AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

"In that regard, I welcome your quick action that will free me to pursue other pressing and urgent matters. It has been a great pleasure and honour serving our Continent and our people and addressing Infrastructure development, which we agree is the greatest contributor to our unending struggle to lift ourselves out of poverty and under-development.

"I am proud to have made a contribution to the transformation of the NEPAD Agency to African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, among other contributions during my tenure. Many challenges remain, including the inaction by the Continent's leadership and vested interests outside the Continent that are only too keen to keep Africa in its present condition. Hopefully, the continent will overcome these," he expressed.

Raila added that he would be indicating when he might be available for deployment on continental assignment as circumstances change while wishing Faki the best in the difficult role, adding that "Please, accept the assurances of my highest consideration and personal esteem."

Perks Raila Will Lose On Exit From AU

Raila was appointed in October 2018 after the famous handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Before NEPAD was empowered to take over the roles, Raila was entitled to perks and privileges which he will now lose with the end of his job.

As African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, Raila had an office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which was set to facilitate his travel to different countries, as well as access to a special visa and preferred treatment at various airports during his official travels.

Reports indicated that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was entitled to a fully-furnished office in Nairobi as well as being granted access to staff and advisors to boost his local and international presence as well as staff and advisors assigned to help align with the African Union unity programmes.

During his tenure, he advocated for trans-African highways, high-speed rail networks, open skies, energy creation, fibre optic cable connections, and water transport. To fund the projects, the former Prime Minister explained the importance of setting up African infrastructure funds using sovereign, insurance, and pensions funds.

During a round table discussion with Corporate Council on Africa on April 25, 2022, Raila created awareness of the importance of creating public-private partnerships to help fund different infrastructure projects in the continent.

The changes are likely to stir up political circles and are coming amid calls to have Raila stripped of international duties given that some Kenya Kwanza legislators believed that he was using public rallies to disrupt the normal operations of Kenya.

"Uhuru has declined the peace envoy role for Ethiopia peace talks .it looks like the role of chairmanship of Azimio-OKA/opposition role is making him very busy. Ruto should swiftly appoint another eminent Kenyan," stated Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.