Scottish External Affairs Secretary has pledged funding of
£250,000 to aid charities responding to those affected by the
severe flooding in Kenya through the Scottish Government's
Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF).
Oxfam and Islamic Relief will receive £125,000 each to support
thousands of families affected by the flooding with their
immediate basic needs, including food, shelter and clean water.
The funding will also support services to raise awareness and
prevent gender-based violence.
Nearly 1.6 million people across East Africa have been affected
by recent heavy rains, flash floods and landslides. In Kenya, 315
deaths have been reported and more than 58,000 families are
estimated to have been displaced.
Mr Robertson said:
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved
ones and the thousands of families whose homes have been
substantially damaged by the severe flooding across Kenya.
“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the
crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates the
Scottish Government's commitment to providing essential
assistance to people in need. This funding will play an important
role in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the
flooding, including helping to provide access to food, shelter
and clean water.”
Oxfam in Kenya's Humanitarian Lead Mat Cousins said:
“The Scottish Government's contribution is a lifeline for many
families in Nairobi's informal settlements who have lost
everything to the floods. This funding will not only address
immediate needs such as clean water and shelter but also provide
crucial support for women and girls facing heightened risks of
gender-based violence. We are grateful for this solidarity in
such challenging times and hope it inspires other governments to
provide similar life-saving support.”
Islamic Relief Regional Community Fundraising Manager Nadeem
Baqir added:
“This funding will serve as a vital lifeline for the many
families impacted by Kenya's flood crisis, aiding in the recovery
and rebuilding of lives and livelihoods. The world's most
vulnerable communities are often the first to suffer from
climate-related natural disasters, and we are thankful for the
Scottish Government's commitment to supporting those in greatest
need.”
Background
The floods have led to a disruption in access to safe water and
increased the risk of waterborne disease. As with past similar
crises, it has also led to an increased risk of gender-based
violence, to which women and children, are highly vulnerable.
Oxfam will support 1,445 flood-affected households in Nairobi
County with multipurpose cash assistance, alongside improved
access to safe and sufficient water and enhanced safety from
gender-based violence for girls, women, boys, and men in
flood-affected communities.
Islamic Relief will provide increased access to immediate basic
needs for 1,200 flood-affected households and provide training to
raise awareness on gender-based violence amongst community-based
protection champions in Garissa County.
The Humanitarian Emergency
Fund provides aid in the aftermath of a crisis through a
panel of eight leading humanitarian aid organisations in Scotland
who advise and access the fund: Mercy Corps, Oxfam, British Red
Cross, Islamic Relief, SCIAF, Christian Aid, Tearfund and Save
the Children.
