LIST OF AREAS THAT WILL BENEFIT FROM SH 14 BILLION DONATION FROM USA

The United States has released Ksh13.1 billion (US$114 million) for over 20 million families in East Africa including Kenya.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, April 6, the US noted that the funds would be distributed in the horn of Africa by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The money is aimed at easing the pain of the families, which have been hit-hard by the ravaging drought.

“The region has faced two straight years of inadequate rainfall to support basic water, agriculture and livestock needs, the impact of which is devastating for a population heavily dependent on crops and livestock for food and livelihoods.

“In total, more than 20 million people across the region are projected to need emergency food assistance this year, a 70 percent increase from the devastating drought in 2016-2017,” read the statement in part.

In Kenya, the fund is expected to provide families with food and specialized nutrition assistance for malnourished children and mothers.

It will also provide water, sanitation, and hygiene support, including provision and protection of safe water sources for people and livestock, as well as livelihood assistance including support to keep livestock alive and healthy.

In Ethiopia, the support will provide life-saving food assistance and improved access to safe water, as well as medical supplies, support for mobile health units, and training for community health workers.

With the fund, the US becomes the region’s biggest donor having pumped a total of Ksh18 billion since January 2022.

It is estimated that over 2.3 million people in Kenya are facing starvation due to the extreme effects brought about by drought.

So dire is the situation that in September 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared it a national disaster and instructed the National Treasury and the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to spearhead efforts to assist affected households.

The counties worst hit include Marsabit, Garissa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Embu, Meru, Nyeri, Samburu, Tana River, Kitui and Kajiado.

Courtesy