Kibaki: Kenyan Government Trying to Cushion Rising Costs

Posted June 1st, 2011 at 10:40 am (UTC-5)
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Kenya’s president says the government is taking steps to protect its citizens from the effects of rising food and fuel prices.

Speaking in Nairobi Wednesday, President Mwai Kibaki said he is “fully aware” of the hardships Kenyans face because of the price increases.

Mr. Kibaki said measures to ease the impact include duty reductions on certain products, the buildup of strategic grain and fuel reserves, and an expansion of food relief programs in drought-stricken areas.

Kenya, like other east African nations, is struggling to deal with persistent drought and the global rise in world food and oil prices.

The situation has sparked protests in Kenya and neighboring Uganda.

On Monday, the Kenyan government declared the current drought a national disaster.