HC Deb 20 January 2003 vol 398 cc27-8W
John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the Government's plans to assist the incoming Kenyan Government to tackle poverty and encourage economic regeneration. [90144]

Clare Short

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Dodds) earlier today.

Mr. Dodds

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what the Government's policy is towards assistance to Kenya as a result of the recent Kenyan elections; [90165]

(2) what the total UK public funding to Kenya was in each year since 1997; [90164]

(3) what plans there are for talks between the new government of Kenya and the UK Government; and if she will make a statement. [90166]

Clare Short

The UK is providing substantial bilateral assistance to Kenya, as illustrated in the table. In addition we provide support through our contributions to multilateral agencies including the European Commission. Following successful elections on 27 December, my officials based in Nairobi have already had discussions with the new Government on its plans to tackle corruption, revive the economy and reduce poverty, and on how the international community, including the UK, can best help. I expect to visit Kenya very soon to have face to face discussions with President Kibaki and his team.

UK Bilateral assistance to Kenya £million
1997/8 30
1998/9 42
1999/00 33
2000/01 62.7
2001/02 35.8