The government of the United Kingdom (UK) has committed to provide Ksh947 million (£6.6m) for ten counties for 50 investment projects across Kenya.
According to a statement by the British High Commission in Nairobi, the funding was guided by the County Green Finance Assessment and will empower counties to direct investment towards sectors in most need of support.
While speaking during the launch, Leigh Stubblefield, the Development Director at the British High Commission Nairobi highlighted the flood crisis being experienced in the country noting that although Kenya was a country least responsible for climate change, it was among the worst affected.
Further, he explained that the funding and partnership is crucial in helping out and providing sustainable solutions in such situations by investing in different sectors including water, healthcare, or energy infrastructure.
The 10 counties included are Embu, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Laikipia, Nairobi, Makueni, Nandi, Taita-Taveta, Vihiga, and Wajir.
Also Read: Live Blog: Kenya Met Warns of More ‘Very Heavy’ Rainfall in Nairobi; Lists Estates
Economic Benefits and Jobs from the UK Funding
According to the statement, the initiatives could deliver economic returns while meeting the specific needs of local communities. Additionally, the fifty projects are expected to provide job opportunities for locals.
“These green investments could also create jobs and grow local economies, whilst simultaneously protecting Kenya’s incredible biodiversity and unique landscapes.
“It will also support the development of new financial solutions to increase access to affordable, green, quality, housing, including associated infrastructure and services,” the statement indicated.
Also Read: Sorrow as Floods Kill Activist Who Lost Two Sons in Post-Election Violence
Floods in Kenya
The move came as Kenya grapples with the effect of heavy rainfall that has led to floods in many parts of the county.
By Thursday, April 25, morning, the death toll from the floods in Mathare, one of the most affected areas in Nairobi, had risen to 13 after three more bodies were recovered.
The official reports of the accumulative death toll in the country by Wednesday, April 24, evening was 49 with more than 60,000 households affected.
However, the Kenya Meteorological Department has continued to warn of continuing heavy rainfall especially in the Nairobi metropolis expected between Thursday, April 25 and 9:00 am on Friday, April 26.
Among the listed areas that will receive very heavy rainfall of between 80-100 mm are Westlands, Roysambu, Embakasi South, Kibra, Lang’ata, Dagoretti North, Starehe, Mathare and Makadara.
In the neighboring Kiambu County, Juja, Ruiru , Kiambu, Kabete, Limuru, Githurai, Lari and are expected to receive very heavy rainfall as well.
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