Disaster Re-Declaration, Kenya Drought

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000096

SIPDIS

USAID/DCHA FOR MHESS, WGARVELINK, LROGERS
DCHA/OFDA FOR KISAACS, GGOTTLIEB, MMARX, IMACNAIRN,
KCHANNELL, LPOWERS, CABLA
DCHA/FFP FOR JDWORKEN, DNELSON, SBRADLEY
AFR/EA FOR JESCALONA, JBORNS
AFR/DP FOR TLAVELLE
Dept for AF/E


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ETRD ECON PREL PGOV SOCI KE
SUBJECT: Disaster Re-Declaration, Kenya Drought


1. Summary: Drought conditions continue in Kenya.
Ambassador declares a disaster for FY 2006 and requests
new assistance from USAID's Offices of Foreign Disaster
Assistance and Food for Peace. End Summary


2. Drought conditions persist in Kenya due to
widespread failure of the short rains season. The
situation has become acute in the marginal agricultural
areas of the Eastern Province and pastoralist northeast
region. The Kenyan Meteorological Department predicts
the next rains are not due until March 2006.


3. Millions of Kenyans continue to be affected by the
erratic rainfall of the past few years. Under the
current Emergency Operation Program (EMOP),the World
Food Program (WFP) is providing food in 22 Districts and
NGOs and other agencies are supporting water,
nutritional and agricultural activities to assist
affected populations.


4. In FY 2005, the USG provided 37,090 MT of food
commodities valued at USD 19 million in humanitarian
assistance, and USD 2.1 million from the Office of
Foreign Disaster Assistance for non-food interventions.
USAID Kenya is supporting developmental programming in
some of the worst- affected areas in Kenya. An
additional pledge of 12,000MT of wheat is planned and
would be swapped with local maize for immediate relief
distribution.


5. It is beyond the ability of the government of Kenya
(GOK) to address fully the needs of the affected
population. On December 31, Kenya's President Kibaki
declared the drought a national emergency and appealed
for USD 153 million in international assistance.


6. It is in the USG's interest to assist Kenyans
affected by drought on humanitarian grounds and to
enhance the relationship with the GOK. Publicizing the
aid will improve local perception of the U.S. and
encourage support for our regional policies.


7. Post therefore determines that resources should
continue to be provided to respond to humanitarian
requirements in Kenya, and declares a disaster for
fiscal year 2006. Specific requests for additional OFDA
and FFP assistance will be forthcoming.

Bellamy