This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
On June 9, 2020, the European Union (EU) announced an additional Ksh7.8-billion-shilling ($78 million) grant to Kenya to address the socio-economic impact of Covid-19.
The funding, which adds to an earlier Ksh8.4 billion ($84 million), will help Kenyans at risk of hunger and strengthen State measures against the spread of the pandemic.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue stated that the funding demonstrates the EU's support to Kenya during the pandemic, which has infected 2,862 people and killed 85.
‘The European Union stands with Kenya during this challenging period and we recognise the severe impact this crisis is having on people’s lives. Through these support programmes, 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,’ he said.
So far, the European Union has contributed more than Ksh35 billion ($350 million) to the country’s Covid-19 response measures, with other EU member States having contributed a further Ksh3.3 billion ($33 million).
The additional funding will be allocated as follows: Ksh3.6 billion ($36 million) for containing the spread and impact of Covid-19 in the health, social, and economic sectors; Ksh1.2 billion ($12 million) for vulnerable families and individuals in informal settlements through monthly cash transfers; and between Ksh2.4 billion to Ksh3 billion ($24 million to $30 million) for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through providing access to finance.
