UK grants Kenya Sh140 million in flood relief
The British High Commission in Nairobi has announced an emergency funding of over KEs140 million to aid flood relief efforts in Kenya.
In an announcement made on Monday, May 6, the High Commission disclosed that the funds would be channeled to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for urgent humanitarian relief as these resources are earmarked for those hardest hit by the severe weather conditions.
As of Sunday, May 5, approximately 212,630 people from 42,526 households have been displaced by flood havoc across Kenya. Additionally, flood-related death toll in Kenya has reached 228, with 164 individuals injured and 72 missing, according to Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.
Mwaura singled out Homa Bay, Kajiado, Nakuru, Mandera, and Nairobi counties as severely impacted by the heavy rains and resulting floods.
British High Commissioner Neil Wigan expressed deep concern over the plight of many Kenyans grappling with the aftermath of recent extreme weather and flooding and reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to assisting Kenya in navigating through this crisis.
“This urgent funding from the UK will help alleviate the suffering of those displaced and impacted by the crisis. We stand with Kenya in this emergency and continue to work closely with UNICEF, the government, and other partners to do what we can to support the response,” stated Wigan.
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According to Wigan, this funding will facilitate cash aid distribution to approximately 6,900 households in the most severely impacted regions. UNICEF plans to utilize the funds to deliver urgently needed health, nutrition, and sanitation services.
This will encompass comprehensive outreach efforts, including the provision of potable water, temporary sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits to families displaced by the floods.
Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Kenya Representative, emphasized that these funds would enable them to extend emergency cash transfers and critical services to the most affected families, aiding them in coping with the repercussions of heavy rains and flooding.
“When emergencies hit, children are the most affected and they are our priority… We are grateful for the strong support of our donors as we work with the government and other partners in the flood response,” remarked Nilofer.
