Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has expressed that the privileges and immunities granted to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were standard practice.
In a statement released on Friday, November 15, Mudavadi revealed that all legal procedures were followed before the gazette notice was published.
According to the PCS, the move was aimed at helping the foundation undertake its programmes seamlessly.
Mudavadi detailed that the foundation was keen on undertaking various programmes aimed at uplifting the lives of Kenyans and communities in the country.
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“Diplomatic privileges and immunities are tools, not trophies. They are meant to facilitate the seamless operation of organizations that advance public good, much like the foundational principles of the Vienna Convention,” the PCS explained.
Further, he maintained that there were various safeguards in place to ensure that the privileges and immunities were not abused.
“These privileges are not a blank cheque but a carefully calibrated mechanism to enable organizations like the Gates Foundation to deliver impactful programs without bureaucratic hindrance," Mudavadi remarked.
“We believe that robust dialogue is healthy for our democracy and governance. It is through such engagements that we refine our policies and reinforce our commitment to transparency and accountability."
Mudavadi made the remarks after Kenyans questioned the move by the government to grant such powers to a foundation.
The foundation has increased its presence in Kenya in recent years and opened a Nairobi Sub-Regional office on Friday.
