Kenya secures Ksh.10.7B loan from World Bank

The National Government has secured a Ksh.10.7 billion loan from World Bank for the implementation of water supply and sanitation projects in the Coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta and Kwale.

The project referred to as the Counties Participation Agreements will see investment in water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

Mombasa County will receive the lion’s share of Ksh.3 billion followed by Kilifi County which will be allocated Ksh.2.7 billion while Taita Taveta and Kwale Counties will each get Ksh.2.5 billion.

Speaking on Monday during the signing of the agreements at his residence in Karen, Nairobi, Deputy President William Ruto said the money will be repaid by national government.

“Of the Ksh.10.7 billion that will be disbursed under this program, Ksh.7.3 billion will be in form of loan and Ksh.3.3 billion will be in form of grant to these counties,” said Ruto.

“Even when we talk of grant, it is a grant to the counties but the national government will pay for these resources to the world bank.

The DP insisted that not a single coin of the money will be diverted to other activities or projects.

“It is our expectation that every cent and coin must be spent only for the purposes for which it has been earmarked and we will be careful to look out for value for money,” added Ruto. “It is our expectation that the Kenyan people who will repay this money will get value for every shilling that will be spent.”

Present during the signing of the pact were Governors Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Water CS Simon Chelugui, and several county executive committee members.

Mombasa Governor, who was not present at the event, is said to have been away attending another meeting.

Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said the three-year project will be implemented based on priorities of the  respective counties.

This project expected to be extended to other counties is part of an initiative aimed at improving water, health care, education in various parts of the country.