A herder in Tana Delta looks at the carcass of a dead animal. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged to support the Government of Kenya in responding to one of the worst droughts in history.
The USG provided an additional Sh75 million ($750,000) to support timely and innovative programs like Chakula kwa Jamii, launched in Kilifi today, to get emergency cash into the hands of the needy households. The Government of Kenya has committed Sh1.8 billion in emergency cash assistance for the 13 counties most affected by the drought. The emergency funds will be provided to families through Safaricom scratch cards called Chakula kwa Jamii. USAID resources, through the World Food Program (WFP), will provide the technical and logistical support for the GOK program. The current drought has been overwhelming despite the well-known efforts of the national and county governments. Rains have failed more than once and insufficient crop irrigation has led to failed harvests across northern and south-eastern Kenya. In the past year, the number of people who are food insecure has doubled to 2.6 million people. Children are disproportionately affected by the drought, with over 400,000 children facing acute malnutrition. Innovative programs like Chakula kwa Jamii demonstrate Kenya’s ability to counter the impact of the drought and quickly target the most needy. Using cash resources, markets stay open and appropriate food resources are delivered. Five counties have been selected for the first phase of registration for the program. These include: West Pokot, Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia and Kilifi. The remaining 8 counties will be enrolled next month. The United States is committed to helping the government and people of Kenya prepare for, adapt to and ultimately bounce back from recurrent shocks, such as the current drought. The U.S Government, through USAID, has invested more than Sh29.1 billion ($291 million) in Kenya to increase resilience and economic growth in the region.