Development agenda boosted by China’s Sh960b loan

By James Anyanzwa

Kenyan has received Sh960 million from the Chinese Government to support its development programmes.

The funds are in the form of grants (Sh480 million) and concessional interest loans (Sh480 million).

Mr Mutua Kilaka, Treasury’s Financial Secretary, said the funds would be used in the implementation of the Vision 2030 projects.

He, however, declined to divulge the specific projects, saying they will be decided upon by the Government, in-line with the country’s development blueprint.

"This special consideration is in response to the Government’s request for development support towards various sectors in our economy," Kilaka told reporters after signing the two economic and technical cooperation agreements at the Treasury in Nairobi, yesterday.

He said the collaboration between Kenya and China would help the country realise its economic development goals, as enshrined in Vision 2030.

Kilaka urged the Chinese Government to consider Kenya’s official loan request to fund various projects.

He said the country has a long-standing and strong relationship with China covering key aspects of development cooperation in the economic political as well as socio-cultural areas.

"Over the years Kenya has benefited substantially from this development cooperation through financial and technical support extended by the Government of the People’s Republic of China," said Kilaka.

He said the beneficial relations existing between the two countries were founded on a long historical journey of mutual trust and friendship.