The World Bank has announced that it will fund infrastructure construction in Northern Kenya with US$ 1bn loanto help in their transformative projects in the northern part of the country.
Head of state through the spokesman Mr. Manoah Esipisu indicated that the monies will fully be used to provide solar energy to households, public organizations and institutions such as health facilities and educational institutions.
“Key features of the program comprise of; incentivizing private companies to expand into the counties, developing mechanisms to make solar products much more affordable to all consumers lacking any distortion in the commercial market and supporting the enforcement of quality standards for solar products,” Mr. Esipisu said.
He also added that the upcoming project is anticipated to lead to the generation of employment opportunities especially for the youth through operations and maintenance that would be required by solar systems. He pointed out some the counties involved as Mandera, Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, West Pokot, Samburu, Lamu, Tana River, Narok, Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River.
Currently there are also plans to develop the Isiolo-Mandera Road which will open up Northeastern Kenya by connecting it to Central Kenya and this is a vital road for opening up the Northeastern part of Kenya and connecting it to Central Kenya will be a major step. This intervention is visualized as a development corridor and apart from that fiber optic cables will be provided to ensure the region is digitally connected and airstrips in the area are also built for flight connections.
The funding by World Bank will also be an advantage in the use to access ground water in the region and provide a framework for its sustainable use.
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs and it is part of the United Nations system.
