NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 16 – The World Bank has announced a Sh2billion assistance programme for Kenya’s emergency food support, under the global food response initiative.
The pronouncement was made by the Vice President of the World Bank Obiageli Ezekwesilii who met President Mwai Kibaki on Tuesday at State House Nairobi.
The talks centred on the partnership between Kenya and the Bank.
President Kibaki said Kenya faced a major challenge arising from the high food and energy prices and was monitoring evolvement of the global financial crisis and its potential impact on Kenya.
The Head of State expressed deep concern over the effects of climate change and noted that the country was heavily investing to mitigate the effects not only on Kenya but other countries.
During the discussion, issues holding implementation of the Mau Summit-Kericho-Kisumu road that is part of the Northern Corridor Transport improvement project were resolved and the World Bank pledged Sh19.5 billion to the project to resume in January next year.
Kenya’s food crisis is compounded by the failure of the short rains, which led to lower production of maize and other commodities.
Mrs Ezekwesili said that the energy and agriculture sectors would each receive Sh617 million while Sh3.9 billion would be provided as a social safety net to Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
The Bretton Woods institution’s deputy chief expressed pleasure that Kenya was taking a lead in the fight against corruption and promised to formally tour the country in early January.
Currently, Kenya’s portfolio at the World Bank comprises 15 projects with a total commitment of Sh77 billion in all key development areas including infrastructure, Arid and Semi Arid Lands, Agriculture, Education, Health, and sanitation.
The acting Minister for Finance John Michuki, Head of public service Amb Francis Muthaura and senior Government and Word Bank officials attended the talks.
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