KENYA BUDGETS US$50M TO FACILITATE TIMELY RESPONSE TO THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT AND FLOODS

Kenya preparing to reduce the after effects of drought and floods

Kenya budgets US$50m for next  financial year, starting July, to counter the effects of drought and floods. The effects of drought and floods on the countries economy and the livelihood of the citizens are much.

While speaking at conference on building resilience to mitigate the impact of drought and floods organised by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (Kippra) on Tuesday, Dr Muia said the country has identified ending emergencies as a priority to ensure that it meets its development goal under the Vision 2030 blueprint.

From November 2016 to April 2018, drought and floodin the country has caused loss of lives and livestock, destruction of infrastructure as well as causing a negative impact on the economy.  Estimate shows that the drought and floods have affected some 3.4 million people and cost the government more than US$200m.

The country has set up the National Drought Emergency Fund with a budget allocation of US$20m. Hence, this will  enable quick response and reduce the effects of drought.

The government also drafted the Disaster Risk Management Bill that has received Cabinet approval and will be tabled in Parliament.

Also read : Drought to hit other cities in Africa asides from Cape Town.