80,000 vulnerable Kenyans who lost income sources due to COVID-19 are set to receive Ksh. 606million (€5 million) from the European Union through non-profit organisations.
EU Ambassador for Kenya Simon Mordue said the aim of the project is to improve food security covering 50% of recipients’ food needs.
And other essential costs such as soap, water, rent, and mobile phone credit.
According to the EU, an estimated 30% of Kenyans living in Nairobi’s informal settlements are experiencing severe hunger as a result of COVID-19.
“The EU is standing with Kenya during this difficult time, providing a lifeline through cash transfers for the worst affected people in Nairobi’s urban informal settlements, including women, the elderly and persons with disabilities,”
He said in a statement.
The EU’s partners are expected to provide 20,000 households living in the Kibera, Korogocho, Mathare, Soweto, Majengo, Gitare, Marigo, Gatina Lunga Lunga, Kayole and Mukuru informal settlements of Nairobi with monthly cash transfers for three months, starting June.
Today, courtesy of funding from @EUinKenya, @OxfaminKe, Kenya Red Cross, Concern Worldwide, ACTED, IMPACT, Center for Rights Education and Awareness and Wangu Kanja Foundation are launching a safety nets project to assist households affected by the #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/vf4pP8cte3
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) June 11, 2020
The direct cash transfers will be done via M-Pesa and will complement the Ministry of Labour’s Inua Jamii programme.