More funds to tackle El Niño rains pour in

A flooded residential area in Nairobi after heavy rainfall in the past. In 1997/98, El Nino rains in Kenya caused heavy flooding and landslides that displaced thousands. Several international agencies have pledged to support the El Niño mitigation plans. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The Development Partners Group, the World Bank and World Food Programme, said they had funds that could be channelled to deal with disaster during the El Niño rains.
• Ms Julia Kronberg, speaking on behalf of the Development Partners Group, said there were funds, which could be channelled to assist victims affected by any disaster during the period.

By DPPS
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Several international agencies have pledged to support the El Niño mitigation plans.

The Development Partners Group, the World Bank and World Food Programme, said they had funds that could be channelled to deal with disaster during the El Niño rains.

They spoke yesterday in a meeting chaired by Deputy President William Ruto at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi. Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa and Rachel Omamo and several governors attended the meeting.

Ms Julia Kronberg, speaking on behalf of the Development Partners Group, said there were funds, which could be channelled to assist victims affected by any disaster during the period.

“We are here to plan not react,” Ms Kronberg.

European Union’s Eric Habers said the government can utilise part of the Sh3.5 billion funds set aside for drought for El Niño intervention.

The government requires Sh15.5 billion to deal with any emergencies arising from the El Niño rains, according to Mr Ruto. So far only Sh5 billion and Sh20 million from each county has been set aside leaving a deficit of about Sh10 billion.

The World Bank said it had substantial funds already set aside for health and roads sector, which could be diverted and utilised to cushion in the event the rains caused havoc.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance also said it will assist in case of any emergencies. 

The World Food Programme Country Director Annalisa Conte said the institution was making arrangements to ensure its programmes are not affected by the rains.

“We must get everybody in the right mindset with proper coordinated measures to mitigate the negative effects of the rains,” said Mr Ruto.

Governors Evans Kidero, Josphat Nanok, Jackson Mandago, Ukur Yatani, Martin Wambora, Ahmed Abdullahi, Hussein Dado, Moses Akaranga, Alex Tolgos, Simon Kachapin, Moses Lenolkulal and Paul Chepkwony attended the meeting.