Kenyan women's ministry abolished

President Moi of Kenya has abolished the ministry for women and youth affairs he had created only last month.

The minister in charge of the department Hussein Maalim Mohammedis now heading a new ministry of regional development; he told the BBC some people had questioned the need for a women's ministry, which, he said, was not common in Africa.

Mr Moi has also appointed three new ministers to his cabinet.

Correspondents say there is surprise he did not use the occasion to announce a vice-president; the choice has particular weight as Mr Moi cannot constitutionally stand for another term.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service