By Teddy Otieno, NAIROBI Kenya
The United States government has donated at least Ksh.16 billion ($125.6) in support of Kenya's drought relief efforts.
According to the U.S. Agency
for International Development (USAID), the funds will help meet the urgent
needs for approximately 1.3 million people across Kenya.
The additional food assistance
to Kenya comes amid an ongoing drought that has left more than four million
people in the grips of a dire hunger crisis, with the number expected to rise to
over five million by June this year.
After a fifth failed rainy
season in the Horn of Africa, cumulative rainfall in Kenya is now less than 70
percent of the 30-year average across most of the country – exacerbating
humanitarian needs.
USAID will provide emergency
food items such as sorghum, maize, yellow split peas, and vegetable oil for
families living in areas where local markets are not functioning.
Additionally, in areas where
markets are functioning, partners will provide cash-based assistance for
families. The agency will also support programs to prevent and treat child
malnutrition, as more than 970,000 children ages five and younger are acutely
malnourished across the country.
"Given the magnitude of
the current crisis, however, more funding will be required to meet expected
humanitarian needs through 2023," USAID added.
President William Ruto has welcomed the announcement which comes following a visit to the country by US First Lady Jill Biden.
Taking to Twitter, the
president expressed his gratitude for the support as the country experiences
the worst drought due to 4 years of failed rains.
"On behalf of the people
of Kenya, my profound gratitude to the US government for this generous support
to very deserving people suffering the worst drought due to 4 years consecutive
failed rains. Water harvesting to enhance food/livestock production &
manage climate change effects," Ruto said.
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