By Sarah Nanjala,
NAIROBI Kenya
Kenya is set to benefit
from an additional Sh7.8 billion shilling grant from the European Union
(EU) that will go towards addressing the socio-economic impact of Covid-19
in the country.Head of the EU Delegation in Kenya, Ambassador Simon Mordue.
The funding, which adds to an earlier Sh8.4
billion, will go towards helping Kenyans at risk of hunger and
further strengthen State measures against spread of
While making the announcement in a statement
sent to newsrooms, EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue noted that the funding
indicates the EU's support to Kenya at a time when the virus has so far infected 2,862 people and killed
another 85.
“The European Union stands with Kenya during
this challenging period and we recognise the severe impact this crisis is
having on people’s lives. Through these support programmes, we are making a
real difference to local communities across the country as well as in Nairobi’s
informal settlements who are most affected by the outbreak,” he said.
Ambassador Mordue further noted that the
support programme was part of an overall 'Team Europe' response that has seen
the EU and its member States working closely to support Kenya during the
pandemic.
So far, the European Union has contributed more
than Sh35 billion to the country’s Covid-19 response measures, with other EU
member States having contributed a further Sh3.3 billion for the same.
Last month, the EU announced a Sh2.4 billion
funding from European countries to assist in the fight against locusts as well
as support affected farmers.
Out of the Sh7.8 billion to be disbursed to
Kenya, Sh3.6 billion will be allocated towards mobilising resources in
containing the spread and impact of Covid-19 in the health, social and economic
sectors. The EU noted that this will be provided through budgetary support to
the government.
Sh1.2 billion will be directed towards
vulnerable families and individuals in informal settlements through monthly
cash transfers. However, the EU notes that careful measures will be put in
place to ensure there are no dubious recipients and that health services are
provided to the most vulnerable people.
As the fund is geared towards mitigating the
economic impact of the pandemic, the Union has allocated between Sh2.4 billion
to Sh3 billion to supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through
providing access to finance.
“This will provide SMEs with short-term working
capital, which is essential for them to continue operating and keep Kenyans in
jobs; later this will stimulate investments for the post-Covid-19 recovery,”
the statement read in part.
The European Union further noted that the
remaining Sh600 million will be allocated directly to the Safe Trade Emergency
Facility, stating that it remains a critical supply chain for trade and will
ensure food security and access to critically required medicines.
“At the same time the support will make the borders and the ports safer to counter the spread of Covid-19.” – Daily Nation
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