Famine: Britain donates Sh750m

Britain yesterday donated Sh750 million to fight famine in Kenya. The funds will be channeled through the Department for International Development (DfID), whose head Simon Bland challenged the government to do all it could to combat hunger, which has already been declared a national disaster.

"Severe malnutrition throughout the country requires urgent action by all — the government, donors, NGOs and local communities. Our cash contribution is intended to enable food to be distributed to the priority areas as soon as possible," Bland said in a statement.

Calling on other international donors to follow suit, the DfID boss noted his agency would continue to support efforts aimed at finding long-term solutions to food shortage in Kenya.

"We strongly urge the government to ensure duty-free maize is imported and distributed properly, equitably and transparently. At the same time, we will continue to support the search for long-term solutions to food insecurity, with which millions of Kenyans live," he said.

Such solutions, the official suggested, would include improved infrastructure and investment in the most vulnerable areas.

The DfID will immediately disburse Sh450 million for use in acquiring food and distributing it. This component will ensure food reaches those in most need as quickly as is possible.

There is also a contribution of Sh75 million to Unicef to enable the agency buy nutritional supplements and co-ordinate health care and feeding activities.

NGOs will be allocated Sh225 million to coordinate provision of health care and facilitate nutritional interventions.

Last week, the UN lodged an appeal for about $100 million (about Sh8b) to help Kenya acquire food for the country’s drought ravaged populations.

Meanwhile, Kenyan residents in the UK launched a famine funds appeal at the weekend to help famine victims back at home, adds Gitau wa Njenga.

The funds drive, which raised a total of £6,000 (Sh900,000), was coordinated by the Community Advancement Programme (CAP) and was held at the Royal National Hotel, London.

CAP Coordinator Nish Matenjwa said the money would be channeled through the Save-A-Life initiative in Kenya.

Speakers at the function included London-based lecturer Wangui wa Goro, CAP trustee Gatheru Rwamba (businessman) and David Musyoka, who represented Kenya’s High Commissioner to UK, Mr David Muchemi.