The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has unveiled its new members of the council of imminent personalities.
The personalities includes Catherin Ndereba, Paul Teragat and Kenya council of elders John Seii who will now represent Kenya.
Others are Kassim Isaac Osman former minister of health in Djibouti, Aisha Mohamed Robleh of Djibouti, Hailey Gebrselassie,renown sportsman and entrepreneur from Ethiopia ,Deratu Tulu, renown sportswoman and peace advocate and Prof. Ahmed Zakaria,a renown scholar from Ethiopia.
From Somalia include Ugas Ali Ugas,a respected clan elder,Prof Idil Osman , professor of communication. In the public of South Sudan is Amb Deng Alier Deng,Rev Dr.Gabriel and Rai Riam.Sudan and Uganda are yet to submit the names of their representative.
Dereba and Teragat were appointed in Mombasa on Wednesday during the official state of the IGAD region address attended by a delegation of senior representatives from region member states.
Speaking shortly after the appointments, Ndereba said she is determined to deliver the best in her new endeavour, thanking the IGAD team for considering her due to the contribution she has made both by representing the country in world Athletic competitions.
“My work was not only representing my country, and the region and now I feel there is more work to be done for my region. I am thankful for the people who saw it wise to appoint me for the position,”Dereba said.
Kenya director Africa and Africa Union directorate Amb Yabesh Monari said the Kenyan government recognizes the role of imminent persons and will offer full support to the appointed.
He said their work is well cut out including ensuring Social cohesion, political stability, and sustainable progress in all spheres of life within IGAD member states.
"The work is already cut out for the team and I want to congratulate those who have been appointed, they have the potential to represent the country and we believe the region will get the best out of their experience,” said Monari.
Speaking after the appointment major retired general and Kenya council of elders John Seii vowed to focus on the task of social cohesion and political stability of the region without any favour.
"I am emotionally moved because this is history in my life, for many years since I left the government service, I hoped one day I will give wisdom to the region,” said the emotional elder.
Seii said the region is endowed with a sports excellence which has significantly brought peace to the region saying unity of the region is paramount.
"We will celebrate our people including sports women and men from the IGAD region, it’s a great honour to dedicate our strength to the region, we take this appointment with great humility, commitment and are prepared to serve,” said Seii.
He said he is prepared to take up the position because their work is well cut out. He said no kind of favouritism wills clod their urge to serve the region.
He added, "As long as energy runs through my knees, I dedicate myself to serve the region to ensure peace prevails in the region, as a military man,I know the importance of peace,".
They will also be tasked with influencing decisions and agendas of the region because they know the challenges of the region.
They will also be required to identify the problem and assist regional countries on matters of gender, peace and security and climate change.
The IGAD executive secretary general Workneh Gebeyehu said the imminent persons have their role cut out to stabilize the region both security,e economically and all other agendas steered by IGAD.
"To minimize the challenges that we have in the region, climate change, insecurity, as a region we have to bring a solution to bring unity and ensure economic prosperity through the imminent personalities,"he said.
They will also be tasked with influencing decisions and agendas of the region because they know the challenges of the region.
They will also be required to identify the problem and assist regional countries on matters of gender, peace and security and climate change.
