ZCZC
BCN-36
UN-KENYA-GROWTH
UN launches 1.9 bln USD program to boost Kenya’s growth agenda
NAIROBI, June 27, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – Some 21 UN agencies on Tuesday
launched a 1.9 billion U.S. dollar program covering 2018-2022 to promote
sustainable development, good governance, rule of law and gender equality in
Kenya.
Officials said the second phase of United Nations Development Assistance
Framework (UNDAF) realigns with Kenya’s Big Four Agenda which focuses on
affordable healthcare, housing, manufacturing and food security and Vision
2030 on inclusive growth and social renewal.
“The aim of the new development assistance for Kenya is to accelerate the
momentum required to achieve President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda,”
remarked Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya.
“We have also prioritized skills development for young people under this
program whose success is dependent on strong leadership,” he added.
Chatterjee said the initial phase of United Nations Development Assistance
framework for Kenya that covered 2014 to 2018 had positive impacts on the
economy and livelihoods.
“We are building on the success of the previous development framework to
complement Kenya’s efforts to achieve food security, universal healthcare and
higher school enrollment,” said Chatterjee.
He revealed that the UN will help Kenya strengthen the rule of law and
respond effectively to climate change under the four year development
assistance framework.
Kenyan officials said a partnership with multilateral agencies is key to
helping realize sustainable growth, environmental sustainability and national
cohesion.
Henry Rotich, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury said the new UN
funding will stimulate economic growth in Kenya while generating new jobs for
the youth.
“The new UN funding model will ensure that our Big Four Agenda is realized
within stipulated timelines. It will support interventions aimed at
cushioning the communities in marginalized regions from poverty and climate
induced disasters,” said Rotich.
He noted that multilateral partners and the private sector have rallied
behind Kenya’s quest to achieve the UN 2030 goals thanks to a friendly policy
and regulatory environment.
Eugene Wamalwa, the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution, said the new UN
funding will enhance service delivery at the grassroots thanks to improved
governance and accountability.
BSS/XINHUA/HR/1325