- US pledges Ksh.153.9 million for Kenya’s flood response, addressing shelter, relief, and hygiene
- Ambassador Whitman emphasizes commitment to supporting Kenya amid unprecedented floods and displacement
- Funding allocated through Red Cross and partners to aid over 500,000 affected individuals
In a significant move, the United States has pledged Ksh.153.9 million in humanitarian assistance to aid flood mitigation efforts in Kenya.
US Ambassador Meg Whitman
During a tour of the Kenya Red Cross Warehouses, US Ambassador Meg Whitman expressed America’s commitment to supporting Kenya in the face of one of the worst floods in decades.
According to Ambassador Whitman, the funding will play a crucial role in providing emergency shelter assistance, relief commodities, and hygiene kits to promote safe and healthy practices among those affected.
“The United States is a committed partner to the Kenyan people, their government, and the Kenya Red Cross Society. Together, we are working with county governments, donors, the UN, and NGOs to meet the humanitarian needs of the Kenyan people most affected by these floods. While these are unprecedented times, our partnership is unwavering.” She stated.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Whitman noted that 500,000 people had been affected, with over 100,000 families displaced.
Moreover, she underscored that over 5 million people were facing acute food insecurity, and 1 million children were in danger of acute malnutrition.
Out of the Ksh.153 million, Whitman specified that Ksh.38.5 million would be dispatched through the Red Cross, while the remaining amount would be channeled to other partners responding to the situation.
“The U.S. government is committed to supporting the people of Kenya during this time and has allocated $250,000 of this new $1 million to meet the immediate needs of Kenyans through the Kenya Red Cross Society. The remaining $750,000 will be allocated to additional partners responding to the floods.”, she stated.
