NAIROBI– World Good Programme (WFP) convened a meeting in Kenya’s capital Nairobi to deliberate on the effects of the El- Nino floods in Kenya.
The high level meeting which brought together governors from ASALS counties and other humanitarian stakeholders assessed and took stock of the humanitarian situation unfolding in Northern Kenya where roads have left impassable, residents displaced and homes rendered marooned.
WFP country director in Kenya Lauren Landis emphasized the need for concerted efforts to deal with the impacts of the floods.
She expressed gratitude for the insights shared by ASALs county governors and donors in the meeting, which she added are invaluable in advancing coordination for the people ravaged by the flooding.
Deeply grateful for the insights shared by #ASALs county governors & donors in today's meeting, which are invaluable in advancing our coordination systems for effective responses and resilience building. #ChanginLives pic.twitter.com/hi4fIWcztU
— Lauren Landis (@LaurenLandis1) December 19, 2023
On the other hand, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Asal and Regional Development Kello Harsama pledged the unwavering commitment by Kenya’s government to bolstering relief assistance for the people affected by heavy rains.
“My state Department is actively crafting the National Relief Assistance Policy to tackle challenges faced by both Government and Non-Governmental actors in the humanitarian field. Anticipated to be ready by the end of this financial year, the policy will establish standards and guidelines for all humanitarian players, enhancing the efficiency of relief programs by addressing duplications and optimizing resource use.” he said.
Harsama added that the ministry is developing a Relief Assistance Management Information System (RAMIS) for the upcoming cash transfer program to help alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable individuals severely impacted by the climate related challenges.
Today, I had the honor of giving the key note speech during the joint GoK-WFP after-action review meeting convened to take stock of the response programmes implemented by WFP during emergencies.
The meeting which was hosted by WFP brought together governors from ASALS counties… pic.twitter.com/5XBl6cOk3T
— PS Kello Harsama (@harsama_kello) December 19, 2023
He eventually thanked the WFP and the international actors for the assistance and support they have provided to the people impacted by the torrential rains.
Northern Kenya is among the regions adversely affected by the El-Nino induced weather phenomenon that resulted in massive displacement of people, disrupted livelihoods and decimated crops and livestock.
Meanwhile , World Food Programme signed new agreements with 10 County Governments to support refugees and people affected by the climate challenges.
WFP is signing new agreements with 10 County Governments
Supporting refugees and climate shock-affected people, sustainable food systems, building the capacity of govts, nutrition & gender equality are just some of the ways WFP is partnering with govts in Kenya.” WFP said in a statement.