China gives Kenya Sh50m grant to help flood victims
Residents of Homa Bay County - on May 18, 2018 - camp at Osodo Primary School after they were displaced from their homes by floods. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The rains have seen more than 50,680 households or an estimated 271,000 people displaced across the country.
- The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the rains will continue for one more week.
The Chinese government has extended a Sh50 million grant to Kenya to help provide relief to families affected by floods.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma said the money will be channelled through the Kenya Red Cross Society, which has taken charge of providing relief to thousands of families rendered homeless by floods.
"We thank the Chinese government for this gesture that will go a long way in helping victims of recent floods rebuild their lives," she said on Monday evening.
RAIN
A Red Cross update on Monday said Tana River and Kilifi counties are among the worst affected.
"This has led to the displacement and marooning of community members necessitating urgent support. So far, 115 camps have been set-up in both counties," Red Cross said.
The rains that began in late March have seen more than 50,680 households or an estimated 271,000 people displaced across the country, the Red Cross indicated.
Earlier last week it said the number could rise beyond 280,000 by end of the month.
The rains have been more severe in at least 32 regions, pounding heavily in areas that have previously faced dry conditions such as Tana River, Mandera, Garissa, Samburu, Baringo and Turkana.
Others are West Pokot, Nakuru, Kisii, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
SOLAI DAM
Tens of people have died through drowning in flood waters or road accidents.
Ten days ago, a dam in Nakuru broke its walls, sweeping through Energy village killing 45 people.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the rains will continue for one more week.
Education in some regions has been disrupted after floods damaged schools.
In Tana River, 70 schools were flooded, Kisumu (68), Garissa (48), Wajir (42), Siaya (22), the Red Cross indicated.
In Homa Bay, at least a dozen schools were destroyed, Migori (13), Nyamira (5), Isiolo (3), Mandera (3) and Kisii three, forcing pupils to either stay away from school or study under trees.
