NAIROBI, Feb 28 (NNN-KBC) — The United States government, through the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) said it will give Kenya Ksh 16 billion to tackle severe drought.
The announcement by USAID comes following a visit to the country by First Lady Jill Biden will meet the urgent needs for approximately 1.3 million people across Kenya.
According to USAID, more than four million people are the grips of a dire hunger crisis, with the number expected to rise to over five million by June.
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 to purchase food staples, which will, in turn, support local economies.
USAID 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.
Through a statement, USAID commended the strong partnership of the Government of Kenya and county administrations, and committed to continue investing in Kenya’s economic recovery and growth.
