The Swedish assistance for 2006 is SEK 350 million, an increase from SEK 100 million in 2003. A further gradual increase to SEK 450 million in 2008 is planned. All support is based on the priorities identified in Kenya Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS). Swedish assistance focuses on empowerment of people and capacity development of government institutions. The six main areas are democratic governance, agriculture, water, health, urban development and roads. The present Swedish strategy for development co-operation with Kenya for 2004-2008 has identified widespread inequality (income, regional, gender and age-groups) and the lack of promotion of human rights as root causes to poor service delivery by government. Another obstacle to development and foreign investments in Kenya is the widespread corruption. In this respect the culture of patronage and lack of accountability are major challenges in Kenya.Swedish support goes both to government and to civil society, parts are channelled through UN-agencies.Promotion of democratic governance, including human rights, is an integral part of all assistance. Specific support goes to institutions protecting and promoting the rule of law and human rights. Sweden supports the extensive reforms under the Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector Programme (GJLOS). This aims at reforming the whole chain of justice to ensure better access to justice for poor people, more accountable and transparent institutions, more demand for services by people, promotion of human rights and strengthening of institutions fighting corruption and impunity. The programme involves 32 government institutions and is co-ordinated by the Ministry of Justice. The large amount of assistance to civil society organisations are in the areas of governance, justice, urban development and human rights. We also support a programme to promote more women in governing positions as well as the national civic education programme for men and women of various ages. Sweden also supports the Public Sector Reform Programme including better result based planning and improved leadership for change in the civil service. We also plan to support the new Public Financial Management Programme.Promotion of economic growth is done by trying to increase poor people’s income possibilities, through new methods in agriculture extension services including improved marketing and access to rural credits. Support to the extensive water reforms and a planned capacity development of environment institutions and civil society organisations are contributing to sustainable natural resources. Programmes to increase access to health services and support to child protection are supported. This includes assistance to HIV/AIDS initiatives i.e. to orphans being cared for in their communities. Sweden also assists the urban poor through the development of a new land policy. We also support labour based repair and maintenance of rural roads.See related files for more information on: Kenya - Sweden Development Co-operation.