Minister for Transport Chirau Ali Mwakwere of Kenya

Kenyan Minister for Foreign Affairs Chirau Ali Mwakwere said that "a number of significant developments have taken place" sincethree Kenyan nationals working for a Kuwaiti trucking company, together with others from India and Egypt, were kidnapped and taken hostage by a militant group in Iraq on July 21.

Mwakwere said that his ministry was in constant touch with the employer company of the Kenyans, and also in constant and regular contact with the Kuwaiti government and other governments.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Chirau Ali Mwakwere has stressed the need to tackle the root causes of instability and refugees in Africa.

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said Africa deserved permanent seats because of its bigger membership at the UN General Assembly.

But Mwakwere expressed optimism Kenya would secure one of two new permanent seats at the enlarged UN.

Mwakwere said Kenya should be a veto-wielding member of the Council because of its work in sealing a deal to end Sudan's 21- year north-south civil war, Africa's longest running conflict, and its successful peace efforts in neighboring lawless Somalia.

Mwakwere said he appreciated China's support and aid during the past decades.

Speaking at Matuga constituency, Mr Mwakwere said it was not his ministrys responsibility to enforce the law.

Mwakwere was angered by suggestions that he had slept on the job and that his ministry was ineffective in arresting the road accidents, whose rates have now reached alarming levels.

Kenyan Transport Minister Ali Mwakwere said African governments, operators, manufacturers and donor agencies should develop a common plan for financing the growth of the industry.

Tough battle for Matuga seat as Mwakwere eyes a second term By JUMA NAMLOLA Last updated: Tue, May 08, 2007 05:59 AM (EAT)Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere has been one of the many leaders eyeing the Coast throne following the death of Mr Karisa Maitha several years ago.

If the outcome of the 2005 Constitution referendum is anything to go by, Mr Mwakwere is in for a tough time.

Mwakwere remained Minister for Transport in the Cabinet named by President Mwai Kibaki on January 8, 2008, following the controversial December 2007 presidential election, and after Kibaki and his rival, Raila Odinga, reached a power-sharing agreement, Mwakwere remained in his post as Minister for Transport in the grand coalition Cabinet named on April 13, 2008.

MOMBASA, October 13 - The Kenya Ports Authority will have a new Managing Director in November, Transport Minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere has said.

Mr Mwakwere said the new official will take over from the former Chief Executive Officer Mr Abdullah Mwaruwa who is on annual leave pending his retirement in December.

While signing the deal on behalf of the Kenyan government, Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the agreement would open up a number of trade opportunities and also enhance economic relations between the two countries.

Mwakwere said that the entry of the airline in the country would spur competitiveness in the aviation industry.

Mwakwere said Kenya and Uganda would conduct a $10 million feasibility study, with Kenya providing $8 million and Uganda the rest.

While bristling with anger at Mwakwere, the newspapers conveniently failed to engage in any self-scrutiny for having splashed ecstatic headlines and pictures of celebrating families on their Monday issues despite wire reports that discounted the minister's claim that the hostages had been released.

Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere is a happy man after a petition challenging his election as Matuga MP was dismissed.

Although all the judges agreed that Mr Mwakwere was properly served and dismissed his appeal, the Electoral Commission of Kenya through Mr Hassan saved the day when their appeal was allowed.

Mr Mwakwere was ordered to pay Mr Mwekesi the cost of the suit, while Mr Mwekesi will pay Mr Hassan’s.

Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere has distanced himself from allegations that he is the leader of Shirikisho Party of Kenya (SPK.

I’m a member of PNU,” Mr Mwakwere said in response to a question from a journalist on whether he is the SPK leader.

They claimed that Mr Mwakwere had gone against the Political Parties Act by engaging in the activities of another party, and asked the register of parties to take action against him.

On Monday, Mr Mwakwere was reported in local dailies as having been named SPK party leader during the party’s conference.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere was quoted by a news agency as saying in Nairobi that all the hostages, which also include three Kenyans and an Egyptian, have been freed and were in the safe custody of Egyptian Embassy in  Baghdad.

Mwakwere said that many countries in Africa have a large number of refugees despite the international communitys willingness to assist in solving problems (?affecting) refugees globally.

Mwakwere said that currenlty the challenge is relocating Sudanese and Somali refugees to their respective countries.

Seven hostages, including three Kenyans, have been released after being held in Iraq for 11 days, Kenyan Foreign Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said yesterday.

In Nairobi, Kenyan Foreign Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the seven hostages had been released.