Middle-East

UAE offers Kenya Sh2 billion to aid flood victims

His Excellency Dr Salem Ibrahim Al Naqbi during his presentation of his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to President William Ruto at a ceremony at the State House in Nairobi in 02 September, 2023 / Photo by UAE Nairobi Embassy

By Barack Oduor | Friday, May 10, 2024

UAE Minister for State Sheikh Nahyan Al Nahyan also sent his sincere condolences and solidarity to the government and the families affected by the floods.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered Sh1.9 billion to help Kenyans affected by floods.

UAE's embassy in Nairobi stated that the funding was provided under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country's president.

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It added that His Highness was committed to responding to humanitarian calls in any part of the world.

“His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, affirmed the UAE’s keenness, under the directives of the UAE President, to respond urgently to humanitarian needs on both regional and international levels to safeguard lives and mobilise aid efforts to assist the most vulnerable,” the statement reads.

UAE Minister for State Sheikh Nahyan Al Nahyan also sent his sincere condolences and solidarity to the government and the families affected by the floods.

The support comes a week after the UAE delivered 40 tonnes of food and non-food items to assist the victims of flooding and alleviate suffering in Kenya.

East African Community Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza received the consignment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and stated that it will assist families affected by the floods across the country.

In an interview with BBC Africa in April this year, President William Ruto reached out to world leaders and asked them to support Kenya in mitigating the effects of floods. Ruto stated that he would use the International Development Association summit held in Nairobi that month to marshal support.

Thereafter, Kenya’s global partners expressed solidarity with Kenya, with the UK's King Charles III also expressing his sympathies to those killed and affected by the heavy rains.

"It was with great concern that my wife and I learned recently of the terrible flooding that has ravaged Kenya and the region, and which continues to impact so many of your people," said Charles in the letter addressed to Kenya.

According to the government, the floods have claimed at least 257 lives in various parts of the country, with thousands more displaced.

The floods that have made several roads impassable have also destroyed agricultural lands, threatening to hamper food production.