EU steps up economic partnership to boost job creation in Kenya
The European Commission (EU) announced two new programs totaling € 31 million to boost investment and create jobs in Kenya.
In Nairobi, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said:
“We have a close and valued partnership with Kenya, driven by common objectives and aligned with the Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs and Kenya's Big Four Agenda. I'm delighted to announce these new programs today, which will boost our economic partnership, boost Kenya's economic potential, improve the investment climate, and create jobs. They are further evidence of our mutually beneficial cooperation to promote sustainable development to eradicate poverty. ”
The two programs will support strategic dialogue and strengthen the EU-Kenya economic partnership:
(a) € 26 million will be directed at reforms of Kenya's public finances to promote economic stability, improve service delivery and tackle poverty.
(b) € 5 million will target economic cooperation and national policy reforms. It will also provide technical support for implementing Kenya's Vision 2030 and 'Big 4' agenda.
During her visit to Kenya, Commissioner Urpilainen talks with, among others, President Uhuru Kenyatta and acting Treasury Minister Ukur Yatani to discuss future bilateral cooperation between Kenya and the EU.
She also gave a keynote speech at the 9th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) and with young leaders to exchange with them on political, economic and social issues and learn about their priorities for Kenyas development.
On Sunday, she visited the Kalobeyei refugee settlement, where the EU Emergency Trust Fund works with UN partners to ensure that refugees and the host community live together peacefully, have access to social services and develop economic ties to build sustainable livelihoods.