Unicef and Germany on Tuesday donated trucks of assorted health, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to the government of Kenya.
The donation was flagged off by Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha Wafula in Nairobi.
The Ministry of Health said the supplies would go along way in mitigating the severe effects of drought that has affected 23 counties and rendered more than 600,000 children with severe malnutrition
“The supplies will also help in containment of the cholera outbreak that has so far been recorded in more than six counties,” MoH said
Present during the event was African Community, ASALs and Regional Development Rebecca Miano, Germany Ambassador Sebastian Groth and UNICEF Kenya country office representative Shaheen Nilofer.
According to the National Drought Management Authority’s national monthly drought updates – January 2023 — currently, nine arid and semi-arid counties — Kilifi, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, Wajir, Isiolo, Kitui, and Kajiado — are in alarm drought phase, while 13 counties are in alert drought phase.
“The drought situation remains critical in 22 of the 23 ASAL counties due to the late onset and poor performance of the much-anticipated October to December 2022 short rains, coupled with four previous consecutive failed rainfall seasons,” NDMA said in a statement.
Only Embu county is currently classified in Normal drought phase.
