NAIROBI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The EU said Monday it has provided 7.8 billion shillings (about 73 million U.S. dollars) to Kenya to address the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU said the money will help Kenyans at risk of hunger and strengthen measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
"The European Union stands with Kenya during this challenging period and we recognize the severe impact this crisis is having on people's lives," Simon Mordue, EU ambassador to Kenya said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
He said the 34 million dollars will be used to mobilize resources towards containing the spread and impact of COVID-19 in the health, social and economic sectors.
Among the money 11.3 million dollars will be spent on direct support to vulnerable families and individuals in informal settlements through monthly cash transfers, with careful checks to avoid double recipients, ensuring health services are provided to the most vulnerable people and enabling people to protect themselves from COVID-19.
According to the EU, 22.6 million dollars will be used to provide SMEs with short-term working capital, which is essential for them to continue operating and keep Kenyans in jobs and stimulate investments for the post-COVID-19 recovery.
It said the balance will be used directly for the Safe Trade Emergency Facility which maintains the critical supply chains for trade, ensuring food security and access to critically required medicines. Enditem
