UAE donates 40 tonnes of relief aid for Kenya's flood victims

Kenya on Friday received 40 tonnes of food and non-food items from the United Arab Emirates to support populations impacted by floods.

Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Penina Malonza received the consignment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The relief aid will assist families affected by the floods across the country.

The relief aid will be distributed in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, which coordinates aid from international development partners.

The consignment which started arriving in the country on Thursday was delivered by the UAE Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Salim Ahmed Al-Naqbi.

Two other consignments of food and non-food items from the UAE are expected to arrive in the country over the weekend.

CS Malonza said distribution of the relief food to the victims affected by floods across the country will start next week.

She said once the Kenya Revenue Authority clears the cargo, the items will be handed over to the Kenya Red Cross and other relevant agencies that will identify the victims and begin distribution.

“We will make sure that all people affected by floods get the relief food and non-food stuff from next week. We have two other consignments of food and non-food stuffs that we are expecting to arrive in the country tomorrow Saturday," she said.

The foodstuffs received so far include sugar, rice, tomato paste, milk powder, salt and wheat flour.

Deputy government spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga appreciated the UAE partners for assisting flood victims in Kenya.

“We appreciate all the UAE partners for assisting us with the food consignment and we call upon other well-wishers to assist the victims," Chidzuga said.

She also urged Kenyans to come forward and support fellow Kenyans who are victims of floods as the country faces unprecedented crisis.

Chidzuga also appealed to Kenyans to stay safe and avoid flooded areas for their own safety.

“Do not ignore the alerts that are issued by the government. Please, the people who are in flood-prone areas should move to safer grounds,” she said.