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UK pleased with Kenya
31/07/2003 22:31 - (SA)
Nairobi - Britain's International Development Secretary Valerie Amos on Thursday, visiting Kenya, pledged London's continued support of the economic reforms and praised progress made thus far by the new government of the east African country.
"Britain supports the new development efforts Kenya is making, and I'm pleased with the progress on free primary education, the fight against corruption and judicial reforms," said Amos.
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki and his reform-minded National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) swept to power last December in the first switch in ruling party since the country gained independence from Britain 40 years ago.
One of their main reforms, a free primary education programme, has attracted donor funding from Britain, the United Nations and the World Bank.
The government has also taken several anti-corruption measures, including the enactment of an anti-graft legislation that requires civil servants to make public their possessions and sources of income.
Corruption in the judiciary and corrupt deals involving the central bank and businessmen are also under investigation in Kenya, as part of efforts to untangle the web of influence woven during the 24-year tenure of former president Daniel arap Moi.
Britain's Amos, finishing a two-day visit here, said: "Countries that have been successful have done it through reforms and investment. Kenya should strive to do the same and we will continue to support them in this regard."
In Nairobi, she held talks with several senior government officials including President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday, focussing on development cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement from Kibaki's official residence.
Britain is the largest single-country donor to Kenya, and primairly funds health, education, good governance and poverty reduction projects.
- AFP
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