Cabinet Resolves

The Cabinet has Thursday approved the go ahead for implementation of 18 Multi-purpose projects across the country over the next 8 years.

The projects are expected to cost an estimated Kshs. 250 Billion.

Meeting under the Chairmanship of President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, the Cabinet noted that the projects are expected to deal with some of the major challenges facing the country on a medium and long term basis.

The projects will be implemented by the six regional development authorities with mandates in various parts of the country.

The projects cover irrigation of food and cash crops, hydro-electric power generation, supply of clean water, development of fisheries, water catchments conservation, creation of local employment and rural centered development

Following the approval of the projects, the Ministry of Regional Development and other relevant ministries will now commence the process of implementing the 18 projects.

The government will finance feasibility studies while actual financing will be realized through Private-Public partnerships.

President Kibaki underlined the importance of urgently implementing the projects that would greatly enhance the economic growth of all regions in the country and create the much needed employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.

Once implemented the projects are expected to directly create 213,000 jobs and another 956,000 indirect jobs.

At the meeting Cabinet also approved the Tourism Bill and Tourism Policy.

The Tourism Bill consolidates the various laws currently regulating the sector into one Act of parliament.

The Tourism policy, the first in Kenya's history, will give new direction and impetus in the development, management and promotion of the sector.