US donates Ksh3.3billion to assist Kenya with the relentless Drought

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec

NAIROBI—The United States government has donated Ksh3.3 billion to assist in the persisting drought in Kenya affecting over 3 million people.

Speaking at Nairobi during the World Humanitarian Assistance Day, On Tuesday, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec said that the drought relief will cater for immediate deliveries of emergency food, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“The U.S. is helping to feed children and families who are suffering as a result of the drought. We are working to save lives and to support Kenyan efforts to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities,” Godec said.

The carcasses of dead livestock line the road between Lodwar and Lokori in south Turkana.

As drought grips especially Northern part of Kenya, more than three million Kenyans are struggling to find food and even water mostly, occasioned by two seasons of failed rains in the country, causing an increase in malnutrition especially among children.

A recent survey released on Monday, stated at least 70,000 children are severely malnourished in Kenya.

In Turkana, East Pokot, Mandera, Samburu and West Pokot counties the malnutrition is at an alarming rate.

The funding is part of U.S. Agency for International Development’s ongoing support to Kenya’s drought response, coordinated by the National Drought Management Authority.