China grants Kenya $2M for drought and Ebola response

The funding arrives days after Kenya confirmed its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case, sharpening the urgency of both allocations

By Grace Wanja

China yesterday handed Kenya a US$2 million grant to bolster the country’s drought response and Ebola preparedness, with the funds split equally between the two emergencies in a ceremony at the National Treasury in Nairobi.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan and National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo signed the grant handover certificate, witnessed by Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. The timing was deliberate. Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola just days earlier, instantly elevating the US$1 million Ebola allocation from precautionary planning to urgent operational necessity. The remaining US$1 million targets drought relief in a country where successive seasons of erratic rainfall have deepened food insecurity across arid and semi-arid regions.

The Ebola funds will specifically strengthen preparedness infrastructure in counties classified as very high-risk and high-risk — a designation that reflects both geographic proximity to active outbreak zones and existing gaps in surveillance and response capacity.

“China’s aid embodies the friendly sentiments held by the Chinese government and people toward the government and people of Kenya,” Guo said at the ceremony. Kiptoo welcomed the grant warmly, noting its timeliness. “We appreciate the Government of China for its continued support and commitment to strengthening our partnership,” he said.

With Ebola confirmed at Kenya’s borders and drought deepening in the north, the US$2 million arrives not a moment too soon.

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