The British High Commission in Nairobi has announced an increase in emergency funding to over Sh140 million to support flood relief efforts in Kenya.
In a statement released on Monday, the High Commission stated that the funds would be allocated to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for emergency humanitarian relief. The aid will be directed towards those most affected by the severe weather conditions.
British High Commissioner Neil Wigan expressed sadness over the situation faced by many Kenyans due to recent extreme weather and flooding. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to assisting Kenya in overcoming this challenge.
“This urgent funding from the UK will help alleviate the suffering of those displaced and impacted by the crisis. We stand with Kenya in this emergency and continue to work closely with UNICEF, the government and other partners to do what we can to support the response,” Wigan said.
According to Wigan, the funding will allow approximately 6,900 households in the most affected counties to receive cash assistance.
UNICEF will utilize the funds to provide urgently needed health, nutrition, and sanitation services. This will involve integrated outreaches, including the provision of safe drinking water, temporary sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits to families displaced by the floods.
UNICEF Kenya Representative, Shaheen Nilofer, stated that the funds will enable them to offer emergency cash transfers and other essential services to the most affected families.
She emphasized that this support will assist the families in coping with the effects of heavy rains and flooding.
“When emergencies hit, children are the most affected and they are our priority… We are grateful for the strong support of our donors as we work with the government and other partners in the flood response,” she said.
As of Sunday, the death toll from the floods reached 228, according to Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Additionally, 164 individuals sustained injuries, and 72 others are currently reported missing due to the ongoing flooding.
Mwaura stated in a Sunday statement that approximately 212,630 individuals from 42,526 households have been displaced by the floods. Overall, he noted that 223,198 people have been affected by floods nationwide. Mwaura identified Homa Bay, Kajiado, Nakuru, Mandera, and Nairobi counties as the most severely affected by the heavy rains, which have resulted in unprecedented floods.
