The United States has donated Sh150 million ($1 million) to Kenya for flood response and mitigation efforts.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman announced on Tuesday funding will be utilized to provide emergency shelter assistance, relief commodities, and hygiene kits aimed at promoting safe and healthy practices amid the ongoing floods.
“The United States is a committed partner to the Kenyan people, their government, and the Kenya Red Cross Society. Together, we are collaborating with county governments, donors, the UN, and NGOs to address the humanitarian needs of those Kenyan citizens most affected by these floods. Despite the challenges we face, our partnership remains steadfast,” she said.
Of the total allocation, the US government has directed Sh38 million ($250,000) from the Sh150 million grant directly to the Kenya Red Cross.
Additionally, the Kenya Red Cross received supplementary food and non-food items from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“The remaining $750,000 will be allocated to other partners involved in flood response efforts,” the US envoy added.
On December 19, the National Disaster and Management Response Command Center reported six additional fatalities within the country over three days leading up to Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 174. This comes despite the overall stabilization of the flood situation in the country.
