This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, the US government announced a grant of Ksh.5.3 billion ($50 million) to support Kenya's response and recovery efforts in the face of COVID-19.
The grant, made through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to address the immediate and long-term challenges posed by the pandemic, as well as the ongoing effects of flooding and locust infestations.
According to U.S. Ambassador Kyle McCarter, the American people have always been generous to those in need around the world, and today Kenya is facing a unique set of challenges. 'We are focusing on ensuring resources get to the counties and communities, because Kenya's communities are Kenya's greatest asset in overcoming these challenges,' he stated.
As part of the grant, Ksh.610 million will be allocated to support distance learning among school-going learners, employment creation in emerging areas, and citizen-responsive governance.
USAID Mission Director Mark Meassick emphasized that U.S. funds directly benefit Kenyans, and that the agency partners with the Kenyan government, NGOs, civil society, and local organizations to support the Kenyan people. 'The U.S. requires our partners to adhere to rigorous reporting requirements and standards,' he added.
Since the onset of the pandemic, USAID has facilitated the training of over 1,600 health workers and distributed in excess of 272,000 Ministry of Health posters on the prevention and symptoms of COVID-19.
