Kenya: Sh15.5bn/USD149 million required to deal with effects of El Niño rains

The government requires about Sh15.5 billion (USD149 million) to deal with the expected effects of the El Niño rains, reports Daily Nation. The government had set aside Sh5 billion for emergencies in addition to allocating each county government Sh20 million. Deputy President Ruto said the budget should be sourced from within ministries to meet the shortfall.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organisation and mobile provider Safaricom have also expressed interest in helping the government mitigate the problem. Mr Ruto said: “All sectors need to be fully involved in the preparations to protect lives and property ahead of the expected rains. Awareness creation needs to be intensified among communities.”