The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said that it will provide more than $126 million in additional food assistance to Kenyans as a result of the current drought, which has left more than four million people in the grip of a terrible hunger crisis, with the figure anticipated to grow to more than five million by June.
The announcement follows First Lady Jill Biden’s trip to the country.
According to the organization, total rainfall in Kenya is currently less than 70% of the 30-year average across the entire country, exacerbating humanitarian needs after a fifth failed rainy season in the Horn of Africa.
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The provision of more than $126 million in food aid will enable USAID partners to fulfill the immediate needs of over 1.3 million individuals across the country.
Those residing in areas without operating local markets will be given emergency food supplies such as sorghum, maize, yellow split peas, and vegetable oil by USAID.
In addition, partners will offer cash-based help for families to buy basic foods in regions with operating markets, which will support regional economies.
USAID will also fund initiatives to prevent and cure child malnutrition, as the country has over 970,000 acutely malnourished children aged five and under.
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USAID applauds the Government of Kenya’s and county governments’ successful partnership and pledges to keep funding Kenya’s economic recovery and expansion. The organization also urged donors to step in so as to combat the drought crisis in the Horn of Africa.
“We urgently call on all donors to again step up and provide immediate, generous assistance to help alleviate the suffering of millions of people across the Horn of Africa who face the threat of starvation in this historic drought.”
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