By MACHARIA KAMAU
A European Union funded programme to empower local councils in technical expertise and infrastructural development comes to an end this month after spending Sh1.6 billion.
The programme designed to reduce poverty is regarded as one of the most comprehensive development support process in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and the EU.
Speaking during a workshop on lessons learnt and a book presentation in Nairobi, EU’s Head of Delegation to Kenya Eric Van der Linden said the Commission was satisfied with the manner in which the Sh1.6 billion funding was utilised and the socio-economic impact it had on the recipients.
The programme was co-ordinated by team leader Wim Eising and programme co-ordinator John Waithaka and provided technical and infrastructural support to 83 local councils countrywide.
New constitution
Linden further announced that the EU will spend an additional Sh10 billion in Kenya this year for various projects, a pointer to greater support expected from development partners following the passage of the new constitution, which most donors view as a panacea to economic progress and political stability.
Linden said the country is a key priority to EU’s development policy and strategy. The union, he said, will increase funding in the areas of infrastructure and arid and semi arid areas among others.
He said the EU would give Kenya technical expertise to help hasten devolution process envisioned in the new constitution, a process that will spur growth and reduce poverty in rural areas.
He noted that apart from the grants being channeled to the country through the European Commission, 19 other members of the EU will continue to offer increased bilateral support to the country to hasten the achievements of some of the millennium goals, as well as boost Kenya’s exports to the lucrative EU markets.
On infrastructure development, Linden announced that the tendering process for the construction of the Timboroa-Webuye and Malaba Highway was complete and that construction work will begin soon. The project is part of the Northern corridor development road system running from Mombasa to Malaba.
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