US donates Sh3.3b to address drought in northern Kenya

The US government has donated Ksh3.3 billion ($32.6 million)  funding for humanitarian assistance to address Kenya’s drought in northearn Kenya bringing total contribution to Ksh9.5 billion this year.

The drought relief will cater for immediate deliveries of emergency food, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Speaking at Nairobi during the World Humanitarian Assistance Day, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec said: “The United States is helping to feed children and families who are suffering as a result of the drought. We are working to save lives and to support Kenyan efforts to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities.”

As drought grips especially northern part of Kenya, more than three million Kenyans are struggling to find food and even water mostly as a result of the poor performance of the 2016 short rains season, causing an increase in malnutrition especially among children.

This additional funding by the US government is part of USAID’s ongoing support to Kenya government’s drought response, coordinated by the National Drought Management Authority.

The US assistance is aimed at improving access to and availability of water, reducing conflict over natural resources, improving crop production, improving trade and diversifying livelihoods.