Projects aimed at achieving Vision 2030 objectives

By Uhuru Kenyatta, (source Opinion & Analysis, Business Daily)

Recently, we had the occasion to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Italy’s co-operation with Kenya.

The sectors that have benefited from Italian support are critical in addressing poverty in this country.
Over the years, several Kenyan projects have benefited from the Italian Development assistance including the Sigor Weiwei Integrated Development Project, upgrading of equipment at Kenya and Mombasa Polytechnics, Kirandich Dam and Kiambere Water Supply Phase.

In particular, the government appreciates the Italian Government’s positive gesture to convert about Sh4 billion debt owed to Italy by Kenya into a facility to Finance jointly agreed projects in the social sector, namely education (youth polytechnics), health, slum upgrading (Korogocho), water and sanitation.

This is a poverty reduction facility aimed at improving the welfare of the poor segment of our community and to enable them have access to basic social amenities. I am happy to note that the programme has so far registered a commendable success and helped many poor Kenyans to have access to clean, safe water in the programme areas and good roads in Korogocho Slums.

The good news is that, a new Financing Agreement for a total amount of 33.4 million euros (equivalent to Sh3.3 billion) and will finance the Kirandich and Kiambere water Supplies Phase 11 in Rift Valley and Eastern Provinces respectively.

The Kirandich Water Supply has received 18.9 million euros (equivalent to Sh1.9 billion) while Kiambere Water Supply has received 14.5 million euros (equivalent to Sh1.4 billion).
The Kirandich Water Supply Phase 11 is an extension of the first phase which involved construction of the dam, water treatment plant, two pumping stations and related rising mains, two water tanks and distribution pipeline. The first phase was completed in the year 2000.

In the second phase, the project will be expanded to distribute water to a population of about 50,000 inhabitants as compared to only 12,000 being served currently.
In addition, the project design includes the construction of a sewage system and waste management for Kabarnet town.

The Kiambere Water Supply Phase 11 is also an expansion of the first phase which involved construction of water intake treatment and pumping plant. The first phase of the project only serves Mwingi town but does serve the surrounding Mwingi District rural areas.

The second phase of the project therefore involves expansion of the water supply to cover rural areas.

A waste management plant will also be constructed in Mwingi town.
The two projects will improve the social, economic and health conditions of the communities living in the target areas, which is in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

(The writer is the deputy prime minister and minister for finance.)