STRASBOURG - European Union aid to Kenya could be affected as the bloc reassesses its relationship with the African state over concerns about its presidential election, the EU's top aid official said on Monday.
"It's difficult to continue the same level of budgetary support if we see thatthe election has not been fully respected," EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel told a meeting of the European Parliament's development committee.
The disputed election has dented Kenya's democratic credentials and rattled Western donors. Post-election turmoil, in which hundreds have been killed, has hit the country's economy as well as supplies to east and central African neighbours.
"We are not in a situation we can call business as usual by any means. We have to adapt our relations," Michel said.
The EU is one of Kenya's top donors, providing 290 million euros ($553 million) between 2002 and 2007. A further 383 million euros are planned for 2008-2013.
Leading a group of "Eminent Africans", former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan was due in Kenya on Tuesday to try to kick-start dialogue between President Mwai Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga, who have not met since a Dec. 27 vote the opposition says was rigged.
