EU Unveils Ksh37 Million Aid Package to Support Kenyans Hit by Climate and Health Crises
The European Union has announced a Ksh37 million (€250,000) relief package to assist families in Kenya grappling with worsening climate-related disasters and public health emergencies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 9, the EU confirmed that the funding will support more than 150,000 people affected by drought, severe flooding and disease outbreaks across the country over the next six months. The support will be channelled through the Kenya Red Cross Society under a programme scheduled to run until the end of May 2026.
According to the EU, the contribution will enable the Red Cross to deliver food assistance, clean water, cash transfers, healthcare services and protection support to communities bearing the heaviest impact of the ongoing humanitarian crises.
“The six-month project, running until the end of May 2026, is expected to support more than 150,000 vulnerable people affected by the converging crises,” the EU said.
“This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).”
Kenya is currently contending with a sharp deterioration in food security. More than 1.8 million people are facing acute food shortages, with projections indicating that the number could rise to 2.1 million by January 2026. Officials warn that depleting water sources, rising malnutrition and declining humanitarian funding have compounded the crisis.
The EU highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that failed rainy seasons had devastating consequences for vulnerable households.
“Consecutive failed rains have left 179,000 people in emergency conditions and placed 741,000 children and 109,000 pregnant or lactating women at risk of acute malnutrition, while recent heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides, destroying homes and livelihoods,” the statement added.
The latest intervention comes just two months after a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that millions of Kenyans would continue experiencing severe food shortages through December. The report identified Mandera, Isiolo, Garissa and Baringo as among the hardest-hit counties, noting that women and children remain disproportionately affected.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast minimal rainfall for December, cautioning that hot and dry conditions are likely to intensify countrywide until February 2026. The weatherman indicated that the short-rains season—which typically runs from October to December—will taper off earlier than usual, with only isolated showers expected in limited areas.
Acting Director of Meteorological Services Edward Muriuki warned that the coming months will be characterised by persistently high temperatures.
“Temperatures are expected to be warmer than average over the whole country, with prolonged periods of heat likely to intensify daytime temperatures, elevate nighttime minimums, and contribute to generally hotter-than-usual conditions throughout the month,” he said.
Farmers have been advised to adopt water conservation measures, including mulching and securing adequate feed stocks, while residents in arid and semi-arid regions have been urged to prioritise domestic water supply, monitor storage facilities and prepare for potential shortages.
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EU Unveils Ksh37 Million Aid Package to Support Kenyans Hit by Climate and Health Crises