The World Bank is renewing its engagement with Kenya after the post election crisis by supporting a number of projects.

The Bank has also appointed a country director for Kenya after a long absence, during which Kenya complained that its communication with the Bank was not happening at the level it should.

On the line to receive funding is the construction of the Northern Corridor, which was removed from the bank's program early in the year following the resignation of former Finance Minister Mr Amos Kimunya.

World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region Obiageli Ezekwesili who paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday revealed that the Bank is keen on financing the construction work on the Northern Corridor.

However Ezekwesili expressed the Bank's concerns that some of the firms that tendered to do the vital road may be under investigation for improper practices.

She said the Bank would put the funding back on course if the government made a commitment in writing that contractors found to have cases to answer will have their contracts cancelled even if they have began work by the time the investigations are completed.

Ms Ezekwesili said the Bank is also putting in a request with the EU for a $25 millions quick relief package for Kenya to help with the food crisis.

The Bank is also pushing for $80 million package to support Kenya's agricultural sector in the next Financial Year and another $80 million to support orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya.

The Bank is also seeking another $80 million for Kenya's energy sector in the next Financial Year.

Odinga said he initiated the programme for the Northern Corridor in 2003 and tenders should have been awarded in 2006.

"I assure you that a contractor who is found to have engaged in corruption will have his contract terminated," the PM said.

He said the government was putting the commitment in writing and the Bank would receive the letter later Monday.

The World Bank official

During the meeting at the PM's offices at Treasury, the PM and acting Finance Minister Mr John Michuki, asked the World Bank to support the government's efforts to conserve the environment.

Both Michuki and the PM asked the World Bank to finance the conservation of the Mau water catchment area.

Ms Ezekwesili promised to take up the issue with the World Bank's Country Manager for Climate Change.

The government also asked the World Bank to support Kenya to build a second railway line to Uganda and to finance a feasibility study on standard gauge rail from Mombasa to Kampala.

The World Bank official said the institution is keen to help Kenya rebuild after the political crisis early this year.

She said the Bank took a low profile on the crisis in order to "give Kenya space to rediscover itself."

The official said the crisis shocked her having erupted just days after she talked favourably about Kenya during a meeting in Japan just before the 2007 elections.

"I still believe Kenya's greatness will happen. Kenya has the seed of greatness and it will grow. We are now back and ready to engage with Kenya," she said.