US claims to have provided Ksh.11 billion last year to help Kenya host refugees

WASHINGTON, USA

The United States of America government says it has been financially supporting Kenya to host refugees and asylum seekers from other African countries including Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia among others.

According to communication from the US State department, Kenya was given nearly $106 million (approximately Ksh.11 billion) for refugee protection and humanitarian assistance last year.

“The U.S. has provided nearly $106 million for refugee protection and humanitarian assistance to help Kenya as it provides regional leadership by hosting refugees and asylum seekers from Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and elsewhere,” says the State department.

On matters security, the US State department says it contributed Ksh.1.7 billion (USD17 million) for counter terrorism law enforcement assistance in Kenya and that it has been providing Ksh.100 million every year for training and education assistance to the Kenya Defense Forces.

To help Kenya combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government disclosed that to date it has provided more than Ksh.2.3 billion (USD23 million) in overall health and humanitarian assistance to combat the pandemic and lessen economic impacts.

These details emerged as President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During the virtual meeting, President Kenyatta and Secretary Blinken discussed trade and investment opportunities, touching on the untapped potential held by the Kenya-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Also discussed was Kenya’s elevated role in regional peace and security as a member of the UN Security Council. Other matters discussed by President Kenyatta and Secretary Blinken were human rights, refugees, health and climate change.

On climate change, President Kenyatta applauded the US for rejoining the Paris Agreement and congratulated President Joe Biden for convening the recent Leaders’ Summit which sought to consolidate global solidarity on the matter.

Once again, President Kenyatta affirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral ties and forging a strong partnership with the United States of America.

President Kenyatta was accompanied to the meeting by Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo and Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua.