NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 1 – The U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, has announced US$50 million to support Kenya’s response and recovery efforts to meet the immediate and longer-term challenges that COVID-19 is posing.
In a statement, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Kyle L. McCarter says the funds, which are equivalent to about Sh5.32 billion are intended to support Kenya as it faces the compound challenges of COVID-19, flooding, and locusts.
“The American people have always been generous to those in need around the world, and today Kenya is facing the compound challenges of COVID-19, flooding, and locusts. We are focusing on ensuring resources get to the counties and communities, because Kenya’s communities are Kenya’s greatest asset in overcoming these challenges,” stated McCarter.
Of the amount, about Sh1.5 billion will be used to strengthen health and water systems and ensure effective communication and community engagement to ensure Kenyans are healthy.
Another Sh2.8 billion will be used to ensure small businesses can stay afloat, the agribusiness sector can maintain an operational food supply chain, and ensure there us short-term emergency food as well as longer-term food security.
Nearly Sh610 million will be dedicate to ensuring children keep learning through distance learning, young people gain jobs in emerging areas, and citizen-responsive governance helps mitigate possible conflict, violence, and civil unrest.
“U.S. funds directly benefit Kenyans. We partner with the Kenyan government, NGOs, civil society and local organizations and institutions to support the Kenyan people. The U.S. requires our partners to adhere to rigorous reporting requirements and standards,” stated USAID Mission Director Mark Meassick.
USAID’s work in Kenya since the pandemic broke in Kenya includes the training of more than 1,600 health workers in 35 counties an printing and distributing 272,000 Ministry of Health posters on the prevention and symptoms of COVID-19 among others.
