Kenya has received a donation of 945 tonnes of relief food from China consisting of rice to drought-hit Kenyans.
Minister Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Kenya Zhang Yijun, said that the humanitarian assistance is the seventh of its kind since 2017 when China promised to donate a total of 11,835 tonnes of rice worth Ksh.2.25 billion.
Kenya declared the ongoing drought situation, a national disaster in September, which has affected 23 arid and semi-arid counties and left about 2.5 million people in need of humanitarian support.
Zhang noted that the relief food is a good demonstration of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the profound traditional partnership between China and Kenya.
“We have been helping and supporting each other since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between us,” said, Zhang.
The diplomat said that China will strengthen its cooperation with Kenya in various fields, provide more aid to help Kenya improve people’s life, as well as promote social-economic development, which will serve the interests of the two peoples.
Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programs, Prof. Margaret Kobia said that the Chinese donation will assist Kenyans affected by drought in the country.
“I am happy to note that the donation we are receiving today is a significant support from a friendly government coming in our hour of need which shall greatly assist food-insecure populations,” said Kobia.
She revealed that the rice donation will be distributed to schools in the 23 arid and semi-arid counties.
