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Venture out of Kenya, Raila tells businesses

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Published on Tuesday, 05 August 2008 07:54
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has challenged local businessmen to venture outside Kenya and tap investment opportunities in the Diaspora. Raila said Kenya fetches more than Sh67 billion annually from Kenyans in the Diaspora. "The financial contribution from the business community abroad is very crucial to our economy. The bulk of the money in circulation is sent home by investors outside the country," Raila said.

He said the Grand Coalition Government was committed to improving infrastructure to boost investment . "The country can’t realise development only on the basis of public investment but must regulate services to level the ground and attract both local and international investors," he said. Raila said the Government was addressing the rising fuel and electricity prices.

"The high prices are beyond the reach of most people," he said. He said high-level corruption and bureaucratic red tape were major hindrances to economic growth. "We will not tolerate a scenario where people suffer in the hands of corrupt officers demanding bribes to offer services," the PM said. He warned police officers who have been put on notice following public outrage over bribery.

The PM made the remarks when he addressed the business community in Kisii yesterday.Cabinet Ministers Chris Obure (Public Works) and Paul Otuoma (Fisheries), Assistant Ministers Richard Onyonka (Foreign Affairs), James Gesami (Public Health) and Omingo Magara (Trade) accompanied him.