19 June 2008
Nairobi — Prime Minister Raila Odinga got the approval of US congressmen, agencies, financiers and diplomats who easily endorsed a further US$ 90 million (Sh5.85 billion) funding for Kenya's rehabilitation programme. Washington also promised Kenya more money in the next two years as the PM articulated Kenya's reform agenda at a luncheon where nearly 300 guests gave him a standing ovation.
"Africa only needs investment and trade," said the PM amidst thunderous applause after he explained that the aid was to boost Kenya's economy, severely dented by the recent socio-political crisis. He appealed to American investors to venture into public-private sector partnerships with Kenya, saying continental foreign aid had mostly been diverted to individual accounts abroad.
Expand trade
The PM is due to sign the Open-Skies Agreement on Thursday. Under the Agreement, airlines, not governments, will decide which cities to serve, the frequency of flights, the equipment used, and the prices charged.
This is expected to strengthen and expand trade and tourism links with Kenya, and provide multi-million dollar benefits to American and Kenyan carriers and the travelling public, while preserving commitment to aviation safety and security.
The PM also urgently wants one-stop shops set up in Kenya to provide an enabling investment environment. Taking a swipe at past African dictatorship and corruption, Mr Odinga exhorted Afro-optimism saying he believed the continent would see change.
"It's a long way from single-party, military and strong-man leadership," said the PM, adding that Africa must now espouse transparency, accountability and good governance. He said that though the grand coalition Government pioneered in Kenya was not easy, it was an option for troubled African states.
US Assistant Secretary of State Dr. Jendayi Frazer and the President of US Corporate Councils Steven Hayes praised Odinga's role in the Peace Accord and said Kenya's once vibrant economy and strategic position in the Horn of Africa prompted intervention by the United States, Britain and European Union.
"We are also keen to address regional security with Kenya," Dr. Frazer told the meeting attended by US government officials, agencies, Congress, Senate, civil societies and diplomatic corps, the World Bank, and the IMF.
World Bank
The PM later briefed the World Bank managing director in charge of Africa, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the grand coalition's reform programme which covers the constitution, elections and the judiciary. He also informed the Bank of Kenya's Vision 2030 and job creation programmes for the youth.
Mr Odinga asked the Bank to cover Kenya under the Global Food Response for the urgent acquisition of farm implements and to fund projects in the ministry of Northern Kenya and Arid Lands.
At a later meeting with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) ambassador John J. Danillovitch, the PM reviewed Kenya's governance progress in a bid to qualify for infrastructure funding. MCC is a US government agency that gives support to countries that show progress in democracy. The corporation gave Kenya US$12.7 million last year for HIV programmes.
The PM also met with President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Mr Robert Mosbacher, who expressed interest in assisting Kenya with the construction of low-cost housing and extending credit to micro-enterprises.
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