NAIROBI, Kenya- In a substantial humanitarian effort, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched an aid initiative on Tuesday to provide critical relief to 50,000 households affected by recent floods across Kenya’s Coastal, Northern, and Western regions.
This support marks the first phase of a generous USD 15 million donation from the UAE government, which aims to bring much-needed assistance to communities in crisis.
The initial phase of aid, announced by Kenya Red Cross, includes both food and non-food essentials to help families begin the recovery process.
Each household will receive a relief package comprising 12 kg of maize flour, 12 kg of wheat flour, 5 liters of cooking oil, blankets, tarpaulins, collapsible jerry cans, and polypropylene bags.
According to KRCS, these supplies will reach the hardest-hit communities in Kisumu (10,000 households), Garissa (8,000 households), Busia (7,000 households), Tana River (20,000 households), and Homa Bay (5,000 households).
“This support is crucial in alleviating the immediate hardships of families reeling from the flood’s impact,” stated Kenya Red Cross, underscoring the significance of the donation in ensuring that affected households have access to basic necessities as they start rebuilding.
The UAE’s donation reflects a deep-seated commitment to addressing humanitarian crises globally and supporting Kenyan communities in particular.
Dr. Ahmed Idris, Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross, expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s continued partnership.
“This donation arrives at a critical moment,” said Dr. Idris, noting that the flood disaster not only disrupted lives but also deprived families of their livelihoods. “The UAE’s timely support will make a significant difference, helping families get back on their feet.”
Dr. Salim Ibrahim Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya, echoed this commitment, stating that his country remains dedicated to collaborative efforts aimed at alleviating human suffering.
He emphasized that the UAE will work closely with the Kenya Red Cross to ensure the swift and effective distribution of relief items to the most vulnerable families across the affected counties.
Beyond immediate relief, this partnership between the Kenya Red Cross and the UAE aims to fortify resilience against future climate-related challenges. \\
The UAE Ambassador highlighted the importance of building lasting frameworks to support humanitarian action, expressing confidence in further collaborations that strengthen Kenya’s capacity to weather future emergencies.
With the timely aid already en route, families impacted by the floods now have a renewed sense of hope—one grounded in international support, collaborative action, and a shared commitment to recovery.