The Nation (Nairobi)

Kenya: Sweden Gives Sh17.5 Billion Grant for Reforms

Nairobi — Sweden has boosted Kenya's reform efforts by Sh17.5 billion.

Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Swedish ambassador Anna Brandt on Wednesday signed an agreement where the Nordic country will give Kenya Sh3.5 billion every year for the next five years.

The funds will be used for reform and development programmes stipulated by the National Accord which brought to an end two months of post-election chaos last year.

The reforms, also known as Agenda Four, include a new constitution, land and employment for the youth.

This financial year, the government allocated Sh2 billion to finance the reforms.

The Swedish ambassador said the most crucial issues that the grant would target were electoral reforms, a new constitution, ending impunity and promoting institutions of justice and security.

"Swedish support will be clearly linked to implementation of key reform initiatives, with an emphasis on those agreed in the National Accord," she said.

Mr Kenyatta said the agreement would support governance, thus promoting development in the country.

Part of the grant will be used to support access to clean water and provide affordable housing for urban families, according to the Swedish ambassador.


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