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NAIROBI. – The African Union appointed the ODM leader as High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa on Saturday. ​

AU Chairperson Moussa Mahamat said the move is expected to bolster economic growth in Africa.

“This decision is part of the African Union’s drive to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development.

“Raila brings with him a rich political experience and strong commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African integration, as well as a deep knowledge of infrastructure development,” Mahamat said in a statement.

Odinga will work to support and strengthen the efforts of the Commission’s relevant Departments and those of the Planning and Coordinating Agency of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), within the framework of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

PIDA was endorsed by the Assembly of the Union in January 2012.

The NASA leader’s mandate includes mobilising further political support from Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and facilitating greater ownership by all concerned stakeholders on the continent.

“He will also support the Commission and NEPAD initiatives to encourage increased commitment from development partners,” Mahamat’s statement added.

“The Chairperson of the Commission expresses appreciation to President Uhuru Kenyatta for his support to this decision, consistent with his commitment to African integration. He looks forward to the full cooperation of all Member States with the High Representative, as he carries out the mandate entrusted to him,” the statement concluded.

President Kenyatta congratulated Odinga for landing the new post. Writing on his Twitter handle @UKenyatta, he said, “Congratulations to my brother, Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga on your appointment today (October 20) as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. I wish you all the best in your new assignment.”

Odinga thanked the African Union Commission and the chairperson Mahamat for the appointment, saying in a statement issued by his office: “Hon. Odinga regards the appointment as a great honour that he is ready to take up with dedication and humility, well aware of the challenges that come with it, (and) further expresses deep appreciation to President Kenyatta for the support and promises to do all in his power towards the realisation of the pan-African agenda that he and the president are passionate about.”

“Mr Odinga considers infrastructure, particularly roads and railways, running North to South, East to West of Africa, critical to opening up the continent and making it the gateway to the 21st century.

“With the support of all the relevant institutions and offices of the AU Commission and thecontinent’s partners that he promises to work closely with, Hon. Odinga promises to use the position to push Africa closer to the realisation of the dreams of its founding fathers who envisaged a united and interconnected Continent that enjoys easy movement of goods and its citizens.”

Meanwhile, there are calls by some Kenyan politicians for Odinga to quit politics and focus on his new role.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu during a fundraiser on Sunday, a section of legislators argued that it was high time Odinga retired from politics. ​

Those who pushed for this agenda were Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Didimus Barasa (Kimilili) and Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret).

“Raila has been in politics for a long time and his new role is far much bigger. He should leave politics to us juniors and focus on his new job,” stated Nyoro.

“The kind of job Raila has been given in South Africa doesn’t allow him to participate in politics. He should leave politics to us,” added Barasa. – The Standard Kenya/Herald Reporter