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The European Union has joined hands with Sweden, Finland and Denmark to mobilise Ksh 211 million (EUR 1.8 million) for COVID-19 response initiatives in Kenya.
The funds will be used to enhance access to water in public places, market centers, health institutions, police stations, military barracks and prisons targeting 119 000 people in COVID-19 hotspots and potential hotspots in 25 counties.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue said: “This is one quick win, as we seek to mobilise more resources to this end. This response targets nearly 120,000 people from areas that don’t have access to lifesaving water and handwashing facilities.”
Interventions will focus on the construction of communal handwashing facilities in strategic areas, the supply of soap for distribution with handwashing tanks, and sanitation and hygiene promotion through engagement with the Public Health Officers and Community Health Workers and Volunteers.
A priority area for engagement will be low-income areas that so far have not benefited from these facilities.
The focus is on urban, informal settlements which are experiencing shortages. Up to 119 000 people should benefit from this intervention. #UlayaPamoja #Komeshacorona #TeamEurope
— Simon Mordue (@EuMordue) April 17, 2020
These were selected together with the Water Services Providers and the County Public Health Offices based on a mapping of urban low-income areas and their level of water and sanitation access.
The programme will last for six months up to September 2020.
Denmark is providing Ksh 150 million, Finland and Sweden Ksh 33 million, and the EU Ksh 28 million. The funds will be channelled through the Government of Kenya, which is contributing Ksh 200 million.
