US launches another Ksh12.9 billion project just after Ksh16 billion donation
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US government launches another Ksh12.9 billion project targeting 1.6 million Kenyans
US government launches another Ksh12.9 billion project targeting 1.6 million Kenyans.
On Monday, March 13, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the launch of an investment totaling more than Ksh12.9 billion to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives in Kenya.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Kenya, the project aims to boost 1.6 million people’s access to basic or upgraded water services and to provide 1 million people with simple sanitation.
The US government estimates that this would require the sector to receive an investment of about Ksh16.8 billion.
By 2030, universal coverage will need to be achieved, which would need an annual increase of Ksh77 billion.
The event was graced by U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Head Public health, ministry of health, Susan Koki Mutua and Nyandarua Governor Badilisha Kiarie.
Whitman noted that US’s timely intervention was aimed at curbing the water crisis in the country and improve the lives of over 1 million Kenyans.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that water security and access to sanitation have on people’s lives. The issue of water security will remain a challenge in Kenya and around the world for the foreseeable future. By working together, we will find solutions,” she stated.
The U.S. Ambassador noted that providing sustainable water to households proved to be a major challenge owing to the growth of informal settlements and those residing in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) areas.
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In addition, the variability in rainfall patterns over the past years further exacerbated the challenge and led to frequent droughts.
“The high variability in rainfall across the country over the past three years has led to frequent and prolonged droughts and floods in some areas, aggravating the challenges of water scarcity.”
“Climate change is predicted to worsen this situation,” the statement read in part.
The news of Ksh12.9 billion project came as the US provided more than Ksh16 billion in food assistance to curb the unrelenting drought in country.
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