Kenya is among 13 countries set to receive Ksh 12 billion ($93 million) from the United States government.
According to a statement from the US State Department issued on August 7, 2025, the funding highlights America’s commitment to global health and humanitarian efforts.
The aid will support the treatment of nearly one million children suffering from malnutrition through the provision of lifesaving, ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), sourced from American producers.
“On global health and humanitarian leadership, the United States is providing an additional $93 million to treat nearly 1 million children suffering from malnutrition with lifesaving, ready-to-use therapeutic food – RUTF – from and by American producers,” read part of the statement.
Trump Allocates Ksh 12 Billion to Kenya and 12 Other Countries
This funding is aimed at saving lives in 13 countries — including Haiti, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
Djibouti, Chad, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are also poised to benefit from the fund.
To accomplish this, the US will deplete the entire prepositioned stock of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and sustain its production to meet ongoing demand.
Also Read: 1,282 Kenyans Among 1.4 Million Immigrants on the US Deportation List
About Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is a lifesaving, nutrient-dense paste used to treat severe wasting in children under five.
Malnutrition is characterized by low weight-for-height, often resulting from a prolonged lack of adequate food.
It was invented over two decades ago by pediatric nutritionist André Briend and food engineer Michel Lescanne.
“Additionally, it has a 90% success rate in treating children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) — the most dangerous form of hunger, responsible for approximately 400,000 child deaths each year worldwide.”
RUTF became commercially available in the early 2000s. It is made from powdered milk, peanuts, vegetable oil, sugar, and a fortified mix of vitamins and minerals.
Each sachet contains about 500 calories and is:
- Highly nutritious, enabling rapid weight gain in malnourished children.
- Shelf-stable for up to two years.
- Palatable and easy to digest.
- Ready to eat, with no preparation or refrigeration required.
RUTF can be administered at home, reducing the need for hospitalization and increasing access to treatment in remote or conflict-affected regions.
Also Read: Relief as Kenya Gets Ksh16 Billion Donation From USA
What Makes RUTF Unique?
These are some of the key reasons why this treatment for malnutrition is widely recommended.
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Safe for Malnourished Children to Eat
Children with malnutrition cannot tolerate normal food, and improper feeding can cause serious complications like refeeding syndrome. RUTF, however, is specially formulated for safe digestion, even by severely malnourished children. Its small portions and appealing taste encourage consumption, even in children with low appetite or energy. -
Long Shelf Life and Easy Storage
RUTF has a two-year shelf life, requires no refrigeration, and comes in hygienic, single-serve packets. It remains safe and nutritious even in harsh climates or remote areas with limited infrastructure. -
No Need for Hospitalization
Traditional SAM treatments require hospitalization and safe water to prepare food, but RUTF can be administered at home. This is a game-changer for families far from medical facilities. Community health workers can deliver RUTF to children in remote regions, expanding access to treatment and saving lives without forcing families to leave their homes or livelihoods.
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