Kenya seeks Sh10b from development partners to reduce El Nino effects

World Bank African Disaster Risk Management Practice Leader Christoph Pusch with UN Office of Co-ordination and Humanitarian Affairs Head Peter Manfield and Igad Executive Secretary Mahaboub Maalim in Naivasha, Wednesday. [PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/STANDARD]

Kenya is seeking Sh10 billion from development partners to mitigate the destruction expected from the projected El Nino rains.

Already, the State has set aside Sh5 billion as contingency funds as parts of the country started feeling the effects of heavy rains.

According to National Disaster Operations Centre Director Col (Rtd) Nathan Kigotho, a budget of Sh16 billion was needed to deal with the effects of El Nino rains.

He noted that county governments were supposed to contribute Sh6 billion to the exercise while the Government will top up the remainder.

"We have already set aside Sh5 billion as contingency funds and we have a deficit of Sh10 billion, which we are seeking from development partners," he said.

On the controversial El Nino budget, Col Kigotho apologised for figures issued by the task force, admitting there was a typo.

The budget had errors on prices of basic commodities like soap and sanitary pads, with the director saying the issue had been blown out of proportion.

The director said they had put in place measures to avoid deaths and minimise the effects of the rains.

Col Kigotho was addressing the Press at Enashipai Spa in Naivasha on Wednesday during a regional meeting on the impending El Nino impact and preparedness for early action organised by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad).

Igad Climate Change Prediction and Applications Director Guleid Artan confirmed the projected rains would hit the country any time.

He said signals for the downpour were strengthening by the day and were stronger than in the last 35 years.

"All signs are there that the El Nino rains will hit the region any time from now and we are warning those doubting to be ready for the consequences," said Dr Artan.

Igad Executive Secretary Amb Mahboub Maalim expressed concern over lack of proper co-ordination mechanisms by member countries in addressing the rains.

DONOR COUNTRIES

He said the regional body had helped various countries get support from donor countries to put in place mitigations measures.

"The meeting is meant to take stock of El Nino impacts and preparedness for early action and make sure member countries are better placed," he said.

United Nations Head of Co-ordination and Humanitarian Affairs Peter Manfield said they were ready to offer humanitarian support to affected regions and countries.

He warned the rains would have significant effects in affected countries, mainly on infrastructure, loss of property, drought leading to food shortages and floods.

"There are some gaps that need to be filled ahead of the rains and the UN is ready to offer any humanitarian support when needed," he said.

World Bank (WB) African Disaster Risk Management Practice Leader Christoph Pusch said the heavy rains would have major effects on the economies of affected countries.

He said WB had increased funding to climate change in Africa, from 21 to 28 per cent of its budget from the start of this year.

"World Bank support will come in handy after the rains where the infrastructure will have been destroyed," he said.