The European Union has given Kenya a €22 million grant to fund projects aimed at bolstering the country's tourism sector, the head of the EU delegation in Nairobi Mr Gary Quince said.
"The EU recognises the increasing importance of tourism and its ability to stimulate other economic sectors, create jobs and reduce poverty," Mr Quince said during the launch of the Tourism Trust Fund (TTF), co-founded by the Kenyan government and the EU.
"It is for this reason that we are providing a broad range of support to the sector involving legal and institutional issues, product development and marketing, environment and conservation as well as direct financial support for investment projects," said Mr Quince.
Kenya earned $302.9 million from tourism in 2001.
Tourism and Information Minister Raphael Tuju said funds provided by the EU will be put to good use. "I will do my best to ensure that the €22 million you have granted us through TTF is properly used for its intended purpose and accounted for," Mr Tuju said.
AFP