2009-09-21

NAIROBI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government has appealed to the United Nations for the elevation of the Nairobi-based UN Environment Program (UNEP) into a fully fledged UN organization.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the world body will enable UNEP deal comprehensively with the emerging environmental challenges across the world.

Speaking during a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moonin New York late Sunday, the PM said the agency, which is struggling to stem the tide of environmental degradation, is however stifled by duplication and scattering of roles.

According to a statement issued here on Monday, Odinga said Africa has begun to feel the heat of global warming while it is least prepared to deal with it.

Odinga said strengthening UNEP will boost Africa's capacity to tackle global warming.

He asked the UN to help with environmental issues Kenya is grappling with adding that the collapse of the ecosystem in Kenya would have serious implications for the entire Eastern Africa and beyond.

Odinga said Kenya is making substantial contributions to reducing carbon emissions by restoring its forest and water towers and promoting green energy.

These efforts, the PM said, deserved the support of the UN.

The PM said Kenya is playing a leading role in rallying African states to take a united stand during the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.

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