Canada to give aid to vulnerable and poor Kenyans

Canada has announced that it will provide funding that will help Kenya’s poorest and most vulnerable to benefit from the country’s growing resource-based economy.

According to Canadian Minister for International Trade Chrystia Freeland, Canada will contribute 19.5 million dollars to the project over seven years until 2021.

Freeland made the announcement on the margins of the 10th World Trade Organization’s (WTO)  Ministerial Conference that is currently underway at the KICC.

“Canada recognizes that small-business owners in developing countries are key drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction. By equipping Kenyan entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, with tools to start and grow their businesses, we are supporting their ability to benefit from economic growth and bring about positive change in their homes and communities,” said Freeland.

Canada’s contribution will assist small-business entrepreneurs to set up producer associations to market and sell their products and will help them access financing to operate and expand their businesses.

“Canada is proud of its commitment to helping the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, including women and youth. Our partnership with the Mennonite Economic Development Associates will assist communities in the most marginalized areas of Kenya to overcome poverty and build successful businesses that contribute to further growth and prosperity,” said Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Marie-Claude Bibeau.

It is anticipated that the project will train 20,000 entrepreneurs in managing successful businesses and increase the profits of 250 small and medium-sized enterprises.

Canada’s international development program in Kenya is closely aligned with Kenya’s long-term national planning strategy, officially known as Kenya Vision 2030.

The goal of Canada’s program is to help Kenya secure a future for children and youth by improving primary education, promoting sustainable economic growth and strengthening democratic governance.