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Head of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency visits Kenya

10 November, 2010

PRESS RELEASE:
Head of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency visits Kenya
The acting Director General and Head of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Ms Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, will visit Kenya on 11-12 November. The Director General with delegation will study and discuss Sweden's development cooperation in Kenya and Somalia as well as the regional cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa. One priority issue for dialogue and assistance is respect for human rights, including gender equality.
- Sweden is ready to support the implementation of Kenya’s new constitution and reforms as set out in the National Accord, says Mrs Ann Dismorr, Sweden’s ambassador to Kenya.
- The increased attention in Kenya to address corruption is encouraging. Sustained efforts to end corruption and impunity will create new opportunities for development and our bilateral cooperation, stresses Ambassador Dismorr.
The programme includes meetings with high-level representatives of the Government of Kenya, multilateral organisations such as the UN, the World Bank, leading members of civil society as well as other development partners.
The Swedish Government sets out the objectives for Sida’s work. In 2010, about half Sweden’s total development aid budget of 375 billion KES is allocated to Sida for achieving the targets of Sweden’s development assistance policy.
Assistance to Kenya, Somalia and regionally
The Swedish development aid to Kenya amounts to 4,2 billion KES per year. It focuses on democratic governance and human rights, natural resources and environment, urban development, and a continuous support to HIV/AIDS initiatives. Sweden works with the Government of Kenya and also provides support to civil society. Sweden is ready to assist Kenya in timely implementation of the new Constitution.