By Blessing Chinagorom
The British High Commission Nairobi has announced an emergency funding uplift of over KES 140 million to support flood relief efforts in Kenya.
In the wake of devastating flooding across the country, the funding will go to UNICEF for emergency humanitarian relief to those most impacted by the extreme weather.
According to the Mission, the funding will enable the provision of cash assistance to approximately 6,900 households in the most affected counties.
“UNICEF will also provide urgently needed health, nutrition and sanitation services through integrated outreaches includes the provision of safe water for drinking, temporary sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits to families displaced by the floods.
Adding that the Agency will also step-up its cholera prevention interventions to ensure the health and well-being of those affected are maintained and help prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
Speaking about the support, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil.Wigan said, “The situation facing many Kenyans as a result of recent extreme weather and flooding is heart-breaking”.
According to him, “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 of Kenya and other partners to do what we can to support the response”.
“When emergencies hit, children are the most affected and they are our first priority. Through this support, we will able to provide emergency cash transfers, other essential services to the most affected families to help them cope with the effects of the heavy rains and flooding.
“We are grateful for the strong support of our donors as we work with the government and other partners in the flood response, the UNICEF Representative to Kenya, Shaheen Nilofer added.
In recent months, UK support to Kenya has already enabled much-needed cash assistance to 1,800 families in Tana River County, as well as healthcare and sanitation services.
In addition to the £850,000 uplift for the flood response, the UK has contributed £3.4 million to UNICEF in the past year to support humanitarian relief efforts, bringing its total contribution to £4.3 million.
In response to the ongoing heavy rains causing floods and landslides in various parts of Kenya, the government has taken swift action to assist displaced persons.
Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki announced the establishment of 138 temporary shelters spread across eighteen counties to provide much-needed relief to those affected by the natural disasters.
These temporary shelters have been strategically located and their information made easily accessible in government offices, such as those of Assistant Chiefs, Chiefs, Assistant County Commissioners, Deputy County Commissioners, and County Commissioners.
This initiative aims to ensure that displaced individuals have access to safe and secure accommodation during these challenging times.
Moreover, Prof. Kindiki has instructed National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), under supervision of the respective County Security Committees (CSC), identify additional locations for temporary shelter points to accommodate the growing number of affected persons.
It was reported that at least 52 people have died, while 76 others are missing following the last Monday flash flood that tore through Mai Mahiu in Kenya.