The European Union has approved a new financial envelope of €31.95 million aimed at financing development projects in Kenya. The actions to be taken thanks to this new funds will be developed within a project for the improvement of rural road infrastructure in Kenya and a project that will contribute to improve Kenyan exports.

The new development aid programs approved by the Commission will be funded under the Tenth European Development Fund, through which the Union has already earmarked about €400 million to Kenya for the period 2008-2013. The projects developed thanks to these funds will have a direct effect on the improvement of life conditions for the Kenyan population.

The new funds approved by the Commission will be allocated to the EU Rural Roads Rehabilitation Project. This project will have a total budget of €20 million and will be supported with €15 million of European funding. About 11,000 jobs will be created over five years through the construction of 4,000 kilometres of road and the maintenance of about 38,000 kilometres. These direct effects on Kenyan economy will also have some indirect benefits in terms of better access to education and employment in rural areas.

Furthermore, the European Union will finance the so-called Standards and Market Access Programme. This project will receive €12.1 million that will be allocated to increase the volume, diversity and competitiveness of Kenyan exports. One objective will focus on improving food safety standards and regulations for Kenyan plant and animal-based products.

Finally, additional €5 million will be allocated to ensure that all projects funded by the European Union through development aid funds are adequately planned as well as correctly executed.