EU to disburse 5.7 mln USD to 80,000 vulnerable COVID-19-hit Kenyans

The European Union said on Wednesday it will disburse 606 million shillings (5.7 million U.S. dollars) to 80,000 vulnerable Kenyans who lost income sources due to COVID-19.

Simon Mordue, EU ambassador to Kenya said the grant will enable a consortium of NGOs to provide cash transfers to the affected Kenyans.

Mordue said the aim of the project is to improve food security, covering 50 percent of recipients' food needs, and other essential costs such as soap, water, rent, and mobile phone credit.

"The EU is standing with Kenya during this difficult time, providing a lifeline through cash transfers for the worst affected people in Nairobi's urban informal settlements, including women, the elderly and persons with disabilities," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

According to the EU, an estimated 30 percent of Kenyans living in Nairobi's informal settlements are experiencing severe hunger as a result of COVID-19. (Xinhua)