Relief food by the US government. [Photo|ke.usembassy.gov]The U.S. government has announced Sh3.3 billion ($32.6 million) in new funding for humanitarian assistance to address Kenya’s drought. The drought is causing an increase in malnutrition especially among children in Northern Kenya. This additional funding is part of USAID’s ongoing support to the Government of Kenya’s drought response, coordinated by the National Drought Management Authority.The US government has given over Sh9.5 billion ($95 million) in humanitarian assistance to Kenya this year.“The United States is helping to feed children and families who are suffering as a result of the drought. We are working to save lives and to support Kenyan efforts to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities," US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said, Tuesday, in a statement by Kimberly Case, Senior Regional Development Outreach and Communications official.Drought relief includes immediate deliveries of emergency food, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene services. The assistance improves access to and availability of water, reduces conflict over natural resources, improves crop production, improves trade and diversifies livelihoods.US government’s humanitarian assistance efforts has been programmed through the USAID Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance and Office of Food for Peace and implemented through United Nations and non-governmental organisation partners.

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