UK Announces Ksh140M Funding; Kenyans Affected By Floods To Receive Cash

The British High Commission in Nairobi has announced an emergency funding uplift of over Ksh140 million to support flood relief efforts in Kenya.

According to a statement by the UK government shared on Monday, May 6, the funding will go to the humanitarian aid organization United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for emergency humanitarian relief to those most impacted by the devastating floods across the country.

"The funding will enable the provision of cash assistance to approximately 6,900 households in the most affected counties.

A man carrying goods through floods in Kenya. /UK IN KENYA.X

"UNICEF will also provide urgently needed health, nutrition and sanitation services through integrated outreaches which includes the provision of safe water for drinking, temporary sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits to families displaced by the floods," the statement read in part.

UNICEF 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.

Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Kenya Representative, said: “When emergencies hit, children are the most affected and they are our first priority."

"Through the support of the British High Commission, we will be able to provide emergency cash transfers and 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."

Speaking about the emergency uplift, British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, termed it heart-breaking the situation facing many Kenyans as a result of recent extreme weather and flooding.

"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," he stated.

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.

The funding comes two days after Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga urged President William Ruto to immediately declare the current flooding menace a national disaster since thousands of people had been directly impacted, arguing that the declaration would open up an opportunity for the international community to come to their rescue.

Nationwide, a total of 229 people lost their lives in the ongoing flooding with over 58 coming from the Mai Mahiu tragedy.