Nairobi — President Kibaki has asked the World Bank to speed up the release of funds for construction of the Kericho-Kisumu-Busia highway.

He termed the highway a critical project in the country's road network and its reconstruction a key priority.

The President made the remarks when he met and held talks with the World Bank President Robert Zoelick in New York.

In response, the World Bank head said that the monetary institution would fast track the releasing of the funds for the construction of the important highway.

He promised World Bank's support and engagement with the coalition government.

President Kibaki and the World Bank head cited poverty alleviation programs as of emphasis in the working relations of the government and the institution.