UAE extends Ksh.2 billion aid to Kenya in wake of deadly floods

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged to donate USD 15 million (approx. Ksh.2 billion) to aid Kenya in managing the aftermath of the devastating floods ravaging many parts of the country.

The decision was made under the direction of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

"UAE announces USD 15 Million in solidarity with Kenya after deadly floods, With the order of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE," the UAE Embassy in Nairobi said in an X statement.

“Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of International Humanitarian Affairs Council stated that under the wise leadership of His Highness the President, the United Arab Emirates always stands to oblige to humanitarian calls at both regional and international levels to urgently rescue lives and move humanitarian efforts assisting the weak and the affected regardless of geographical location.”

UAE's show of solidarity comes just three days after King Charles III of the United Kingdom expressed his deepest sympathies to Kenyans killed and affected by the heavy rains recorded in most parts of the country.

In a heartfelt letter to President William Ruto, the monarch, alongside his wife Queen Consort Camilla, conveyed their distress upon learning about the calamitous flooding that has devastated Kenya in recent weeks.

"It was with great concern that my wife and I learnt recently of the terrible flooding that has ravaged Kenya and the region, and which continues to impact so many of your people," said Charles in the letter shared by UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, on X.

As of May 8, the confirmed national death toll from the floods stood at 257. Additionally, 188 individuals have sustained injuries due to the heavy rains with the torrential downpours having affected 293,661 people and displaced 54,837 households countrywide.