In a statement issued by spokesperson Jessica Jennings, the United States has expressed its deepest sympathy for the people of Kenya as they grapple with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding, described as the worst the country has experienced in decades.
The severe flooding, triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, has claimed at least 170 lives, exacerbating the challenges faced by a nation already reeling from one of the worst droughts in its history.
“The unprecedented nature of these back-to-back disasters highlights the impact of climate change and the urgent need to prepare for future shocks,” emphasized Jennings.
In response to the dire situation, the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has pledged KES 156.5 million ($1 million) in immediate humanitarian assistance to support Kenya’s flood response efforts. This aid package aims to provide emergency shelter assistance, relief commodities, and hygiene kits to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the floods.
“With at least 500,000 people impacted by the floods to date, including 100,000 families displaced from their homes, this assistance is crucial in maintaining the safety and health of the affected population during the immediate aftermath of the floods,” stated Jennings.
The United States, as the largest humanitarian donor to Kenya, has contributed more than $226 million since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2023, with nearly $206 million from USAID alone. This substantial financial support underscores the commitment to assisting the Kenyan people in their recovery efforts.
“We will continue to stand with the Kenyan people as they work to recover from these floods and remain committed to helping them prepare for future disasters,” assured Jennings.
As the nation faces an unprecedented dual crisis of drought followed by severe flooding, the U.S. government calls on other donors to join in providing immediate aid to alleviate the suffering of the Kenyan people during this challenging time
