NAIROBI – The United States has donated Sh 3.3 billion to address the drought situation in northern Kenya.
The drought relief will cater for immediate deliveries of emergency food, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services.
“The US is helping to feed children and families who are suffering as a result of the drought,” Ambassador Robert Godec said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are working to save lives and to support Kenyan efforts to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities.”
Godec said the assistance will improve access to, and availability of water reduces conflict over natural resources among others.
The US Government has given over Sh9.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Kenya this year.
The survey showed alarming malnutrition rates in Turkana, East Pokot, Mandera, Samburu and West Pokot counties.
Patrick Mweki, the Action Against Hunger director for Kenya and Somalia, said the overall nutrition situation continues to deteriorate and has worsened in some counties.
The survey showed that in Turkana alone, severe malnutrition rates are up from 2.3 per cent to 8.3 per cent, nearly four-fold in just one year.
