Kenya Receives Ksh.16 billion in food aid from the US government

United States of America First Lady Jill Biden left Kenya after a 3-day visit. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook

At least Ksh.16 billion ($160 million) has been given by the United States to help with Kenya's drought relief efforts.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimates that the money will provide for the immediate requirements of 1,300,000 Kenyans.

A continuing drought has left over four million people in Kenya facing an extreme hunger crisis, and that number is expected to increase to over five million by June of this year, which is why the country is receiving additional food aid at this time.

In Kenya, cumulative rainfall is now below 70% of the 30-year normal after a fifth failed rainy season in the Horn of Africa, worsening humanitarian needs.

If local grocery stores are closed, USAID will ship emergency rations of sorghum, maize, golden split peas, and vegetable oil to nearby residents.

Family members will also receive cash aid from our partners in regions where markets are active. More than 970,000 children under the age of five are severely malnourished in the United States, so the government agency will also back initiatives to prevent and treat child malnutrition.

It's important to note that "given the magnitude of the current crisis, more funding will be needed to satisfy expected humanitarian needs through 2023," as USAID put it.

The news has been warmly received by President William Ruto, who was in attendance during First Lady Jill Biden's recent trip to Kenya.

The president took to Twitter to express his appreciation for the outpouring of help as the nation faces its worst drought in four years.

"On behalf of the people of Kenya, my profound gratitude to the US government for this generous support to very deserving people suffering the worst drought due to 4 years consecutive failed rains. Water harvesting to enhance food/livestock production & manage climate change effects," Ruto said.