Kenya's rivals said today a coalition government would be formed this weekend to end a deadlock that has threatened the country's economic recovery.
President Mwai Kibaki and prime minister-designate Raila Odinga announced the agreement after a two-hour meeting over the size and membership of the cabinet, a key part of a power-sharing deal to end Kenya's bloody post-election crisis.
"We've agreed to announce the cabinet on Sunday and that the cabinet will be sworn in Saturday week (April 12th)," opposition leader and future premier Mr Odinga said after meeting Mr Kibaki.
Mr Kibaki's office said the two had agreed that a 40-ministry cabinet would be announced on Sunday, and that both men noted "the long consultations were necessary to enable there to be an agreement that is amicable and good for the country".
The breakthrough, which will see Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement get about half the seats, came after a month of deadlock many feared could undo the east African nation's recovery from a crisis started by a disputed December 27th election.
Kenya's shilling currency immediately strengthened by 1 per cent to 62.25/35 to the dollar after the announcement.