The European Union (EU) has given Kenya an additional Ksh7.8 billion (€65 million) to address the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to vulnerable Kenyans.
EU on Monday said that it is cognizant of the fact that thousands of Kenyans are battling hunger as a result of the pandemic.
Of the Ksh7.8 billion, Ksh3.6 billion will be used towards containing the spread of the virus, Ksh 1.2 billion of direct support to vulnerable families and individuals in informal settlements through monthly cash transfers and Ksh 2.4- 3 billion directly for Kenya SMEs Access Finance.
Ksh600 million will be channeled towards the Safe Trade Emergency Facility.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue said that the EU is committed to working with Kenya during these tough times.
“The European Union stands with Kenya during this challenging period and we recognise the severe impact this crisis is having on people’s lives. Today, through these support programmes, we are making a real difference to local communities across the country as well as in Nairobi’s informal settlements who are most affected by the outbreak, strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” he said.
In total, the EU will contribute Ksh 35 billion towards Kenya’s COVID-19 response.
Mordue said that this is a show of friendship between Kenya and Europe.
“This collective support by Team Europe is a statement of Europe’s friendship and partnership with Kenya in these difficult global times,” Mordue stated.
Nineteen EU member states among then Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, Netherlands among others have so far contributed Ksh3.3 billion towards Kenya’s COVID-19 response.
