Africa-Press – Kenya. The United States government has announced it will launch a Sh12.9 billion project in new Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities. Through a statement, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said clean water and sanitation facilities in Kenya will be enhanced over the next five years.
“USAID’s investments will increase access to improved water services for 1.6 million people, and improved sanitation for 1 million people,” the statement read. The agency will work with other organizations, governments, and communities to address the global water crisis.
It also said the high variability in rainfall across the country over the past three years has led to frequent and prolonged droughts and floods in some areas, exacerbating the challenges of water scarcity. Climate change is predicted to worsen this situation.
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said the issue of water security will remain a challenge in Kenya and around the world for the foreseeable future.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that water security and access to sanitation have on people’s lives. By working together, we will find solutions,” she said.
The agency said the high variability in rainfall across the country over the past three years has led to frequent and prolonged droughts and floods in some areas, exacerbating the challenges of water scarcity.
Climate change is predicted to worsen this situation. In February, Kenya received Sh15,978,060,000 from USAID for food assistance. Over four million Kenyans have been affected by the ongoing drought.
In a press release, USAID said the amount will allow its partners to meet the urgent needs of approximately 1.3 million people across Kenya. “USAID will provide emergency food items such as sorghum, maize, yellow split peas, and vegetable oil for families living in areas where local markets are not functioning,” the statement read.
Further, the agency said its partners will provide cash-based assistance for families to purchase food staples, which will, in turn, support local economies.
“USAID will also support programs to prevent and treat child malnutrition, as more than 970,000 children ages five and younger are acutely malnourished across the country,” the agency said.
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
