Commission adopts Country Strategy Paper for 2003-2007 for Kenya

The European Commission has adopted a Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and an Indicative Programme for Kenya outlining its co-operation with the country for the period 2003 - 2007. The CSP constitutes the framework for EC co-operation with Kenya. The main objective of the strategy is to support the government of Kenya in its efforts to achieve sustainable growth and reduce the country's high incidence of poverty. EC assistance will mainly be concentrated on agriculture and rural development, as well as infrastructure with the emphasis on roads and macro-economic budget support. The strategy provides €225 million allocated from the 9th European Development Fund (EDF).

Commenting on the adoption of the CSP, Commissioner for development co-operation and humanitarian aid, Poul Nielson said: "I consider the adoption of this programme as an important sign of the European Commission's renewed confidence in Kenya's economic and social development. I am looking forward to discussing our co-operation with his excellency President Emilio Kibaki and his government during my planned visit to Kenya later this year."

The CSP has been elaborated in accordance with the principles of EU-ACP partnership outlined in the Cotonou agreement. The strategy has been elaborated in close co-operation with the Government of Kenya and based on nationwide consultations with Kenyan civil society. With the strategy follows an indicative programme of €225 million from the 9th EDF, with €170 million already programmed. The remaining €55 million will be to cover unforeseen needs. The programmable funds will be concentrated on the following sectors:

Agriculture and rural development: Agriculture contributes both directly and indirectly to about 80% of employment and 60% of national income in Kenya. About 80% of Kenyans live in rural areas and 75% of the population in rural areas are poor. Activities in this sector will include in particular: (i) empowerment of rural communities in the local development process; (ii) improvement of conditions for private sector activity; and (iii) strengthening of the capacity of local authorities in the delivery of rural services and infrastructures.

Transport infrastructure - Roads: The EC is one of the major donors to the roads sector. The support to this sector represents a continuation of the EC's past and ongoing interventions in Kenya. Activities will include: (i) support to development of a coherent transport sector policy, including support to road sector management reforms; (ii) maintenance and rehabilitation of northern roads from Mombassa to the Great Lakes region and north to Ethiopia; and (iii) rehabilitation and improvement of rural access roads and bridges.

Macro-economic budget support: The assistance will be given as a contribution to Kenya's public sector reform programme and the country's overall poverty reduction strategy particularly with a view to promoting equitable access to social services.

Other smaller activities will include support to the private sector, civil society and regional initiatives including trade and environment.


For background information on EC relations with the Republic of Kenya see:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/country/ke_en.htm

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