The CEO of Africa Harvest, Dr. Florence Wambugu, was presented formally to her Majesty the Queen of England during the Commonwealth Reception Day held early last week in London. Dr Wambugu was invited as one of the distinguished guests by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, his Excellence Kamalesh Sharma.  

“Science, Technology and Society” is the Commonwealth theme for 2010. The Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International mission statement, that is, “Use Science and Technology to help the poor in Africa achieve food security, economic well-being and sustainable rural development” fits well with the Commonwealth theme for this year. Dr. Wambugu was recognized as one of the people who have made significant contribution in this area.

The Commonwealth Reception day started with an observance/church service at WestMinister Abby, where the queen, in her speech, recognized that more half of the Commonwealth citizens are under 25 years of age hence it is vital that their potential to build “on the exceptional scientific expertise that exists in the member states is also fully supported through education and social development”.

On his part the Commonwealth Secretary General acknowledged that the biggest services that science can render to humanity will be providing the environmental solutions which the world desperately needs; and the Commonwealth is committed to play a critical role in helping the developing countries to assess that help through partnerships. The Commonwealth Day Reception was held later in the evening after the church service at Marlborough House, where Dr. Wambugu was officially presented to the queen.

While in the UK, the Kenya High Commissioner in the UK, H.E. Ephraim Ngare, organized other strategic meetings for Dr. Wambugu who was accompanied by one of the senior communication Officers from Africa Harvest, Julia Kagunda. Amongst other meetings, Dr. Wambugu had a meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary General, Adviser and Head of Enterprise Agricultural Section, Special Advisory Services Division at Commonwealth Secretariat; Head of Commonwealth Foundation; Liaison Manager of Civil Society at Commonwealth Secretariat and Head of Experts Technical Expertise Programs at Commonwealth Secretariat.