This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, the European Union (EU) announced an additional KSh 7.8 billion in support for Kenya to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and alleviate hunger.
The fund will be used to mobilize resources to fight the pandemic, provide working capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and support vulnerable families in informal settlements.
Half of the funds will be allocated to the health sector and socio-economic sector, with the EU providing KSh 3.6 billion in government budget support.
Additionally, a KSh 1.2 billion cash transfer program will be implemented to directly benefit vulnerable families in informal settlements.
The program will also provide a KSh 2.4 billion package to protect jobs through short-term working capital for SMEs, as well as KSh 600 million to maintain essential supply chains for food and medicine.
As part of its ongoing support, the EU has committed over KSh 35 billion to help Kenya combat the pandemic.
“Today, through these support programs, we are making a real difference to local communities across the country as well as in Nairobi’s informal settlements who are most affected by the outbreak, strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” said Simon Mordue, EU Ambassador to Kenya.
