European Parliament deployed six members to inspect various projects funded by European Investment Bank (EIB) on Tuesday, April 4.
The lawmakers visited various firms and traders supported by Ksh223 billion released by the European Investment Bank (EIB) into the country.
During the scrutiny, it was established that the bank supports over 60 projects spread across the country.
"We are honoured by the visit from the Members of the European Parliament. To date, EIB has signed more than 60 projects in Kenya and invested more than Ksh223 billion in the country," Edward Claessen, the Head of the EIB Regional Hub in Nairobi, stated.
"Our projects span the areas of energy, water, targeted urban development and social infrastructure, financial inclusion and private sector investment to support MSMEs," he added.
During the inspection tour, EU MPs grilled Kenyan traders about how they had explored areas touching on sustainable development goals, climate change, food security and global health.
EU lawmakers also visited several EU and EIB-funded projects to understand further how the funds were utilised.
The lawmakers raised no red flags or discrepancies after the visit. However, Pierrette Herzberger, representing Germany in the EU praised Kenyan farmers, vowing to lobby for an investment increase.
“We are very pleased with the work and impact that the EU and EIB funding is having on the ground.
"We shall be your ambassadors back in Europe to articulate the need for increased investment in the projects in Kenya as they are helping create sustainable jobs and grow the economy. We look forward to the continued partnership between the EU and Kenya," Herzberger stated.
Besides pushing for increased investment, EU lawmakers noted that the partnership was key to creating more job opportunities for Kenyans.
Their visit came after a meeting with President William Ruto and other delegates which explored new investment ventures.
Under a recently signed Global Gateway Africa – Europe Investment Package, EIB expressed interest in supporting Africa for a strong, inclusive, green, digital recovery and transformation.
It also vowed to accelerate the green energy transition, digital transition, sustainable growth and job creation, and strengthen education and health systems.
