This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, the US announced a significant support package for Kenya's health sector and economic recovery, worth Sh5 billion.
The funding, provided through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to address the immediate and longer-term challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter emphasized the importance of ensuring that resources reach local communities and counties, saying, "The American people have always been generous to those in need around the world, and today Kenya is facing the compound challenges of Covid-19, flooding and locusts."
Of the total funding, nearly Sh610 million will be allocated to support distance learning, job creation in emerging areas, and citizen-responsive governance to mitigate potential conflict and civil unrest.
USAID Mission Director Mark Meassick noted that the funds will directly benefit Kenyans, adding, "We partner with the Kenyan government, NGOs, civil society and local organisations and institutions to support the Kenyan people. The US requires our partners to adhere to rigorous reporting requirements and standards."
As part of the ongoing support, over 1,600 health workers have been trained in 35 counties, and 272,000 Ministry of Health posters on Covid-19 prevention and symptoms have been printed and distributed across 23 high-risk counties.
By Nation.co.ke
