The Kenya Kwanza administration has received a donation worth Ksh2 billion from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a statement by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the generous donation from the UAE is expected to help 50,000 households that were affected by the recent floods.

According to Mwaura’s statement, the aid will target households in Kisumu, Garissa, Busia, Tana River, and Homa Bay counties that were affected by the floods.

While receiving the donation, Mwaura noted the UAE had demonstrated its commitment to being Kenya’s strong partner.

“This essential aid, comprising food and non-food supplies, will support 50,000 households in Kisumu, Garissa, Busia, Tana River, and Homa Bay counties, all affected by recent floods.

“With a total contribution of $15 million (Ksh2 billion), this second round of UAE aid reflects a strong Kenya-UAE partnership in disaster relief, providing immediate assistance to displaced communities,” Mwaura’s statement read in part.

Mwaura made the announcement in an event attended by officials from the UAE led by Ambassador Salim Ibrahim Alnaqbi, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris, and leaders from the various county governments that are set to benefit from the funding.

“The UAE’s continued support reaffirms its dedication to timely disaster relief and its vital role in building resilience within Kenya’s most vulnerable communities,” Mwaura’s statement added.

Besides helping those displaced by floods, Mwaura outlined that the donation would go a long way in helping Kenya in its disaster preparedness.

“This new collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to swift recovery and enhanced resilience as the nation prepares for potential weather impacts in the October-December period,” noted Mwaura.

With a total contribution of $15 million (Ksh 2 billion), this second round of UAE aid reflects a strong Kenya-UAE partnership in disaster relief, providing immediate assistance to displaced communities. pic.twitter.com/9mbfUts2zp

— Spokesperson GoK (@SpokespersonGoK) November 5, 2024

Deadly floods

The floods experienced in May 2024 left over a hundred people dead and displaced over 280,000 as they swept away communities and destroyed bridges, roads, healthcare facilities, and other key infrastructure.

In Nairobi, the effects of the floods were left in every corner, including the rich suburbs and informal settlements.

Consequently, the Cabinet directed that all members of the public residing within these risky areas move out within 48 hours. These included areas near dams and other water reservoirs in public or private land, areas prone to mudslides and landslides, and riparian lands along rivers and other water courses across the country.

“The government has put in place measures to support the evacuation and temporary shelter of those that will be affected by this directive in the event that they require assistance.

“Further, the government has identified public spaces in various parts of the country where those affected will be given temporary shelter together with the provision of essential food and non-food supplies,” a dispatch from the Cabinet read then.

“The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) will provide the coordination of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), development partners, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless and coherent exercise throughout the country,” it added.