UK International Development Minister visits HSNP MarsabitThe UK Minister for the Department for International Development (DFID), James Wharton, visited Kenya from 10-12 August, on his first visit to Africa in his new role.
Minister Wharton, who oversees development aid in Africa, held meetings with representatives from national and county government to discuss areas of mutual interest for the UK and Kenya relationship including trade, investment and how Kenya can create the conditions for increased private sector investments in tackling poverty.
Ahead of his visit Mr Wharton said: “I am looking forward to visiting Kenya and seeing first-hand the positive impact of the UK’s support through its aid programme and the strong partnerships we’ve built over the years. Kenya remains a key bilateral partner for an outward looking and globally engaged UK and will continue to engage in matters of international cooperation and development.”
“Tackling poverty, boosting economic growth and improving security and stability in Kenya is building a safer and more prosperous world which is in both Kenya and the UK’s national interest.”
Visiting a beneficiary that started a shop using HSNP cash transfers in Korr, Marsabit
As well as meeting leaders, the Minister had an opportunity to visit UK aid funded projects in Korr Marsabit, where the UK is helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Northern Kenya. Here he met with people benefiting from the Hunger Safety Net Programme and Arid Support Programme and discuss the progress and impact of the programmes, which has already helped 1.5 million people.
Marsabit being one of the arid areas that bear the heaviest brunt of food insecurity and frequent seasons of drought, UK through DFID and working with the Kenyan Government runs multiple projects intended to increase food production and among others support education programmes.
“There is huge potential across Kenya but there is also no denying that a lot of work needs to be done. In Marsabit I met people who are seeing their lives improve, who are seeing opportunities through DFID's partnership with Kenyan Government but also some of the changes they are seeing around them,” he explained.
This is the first official visit to Kenya by the Minister Wharton since he was appointed on Saturday 16 July under the new UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
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