By Obegi Malack
United States First Lady Jill Biden on Sunday visited drought-affected communities in Lesoit Village, Matapato North, Kajiado County and appealed for wealthy nations to give more support as millions of people continue to suffer from one of the worst drought.
Biden visited Kajiado County which is mostly inhabited by Maasai community who have been most affected, the community has lost millions of their livestock with other regions in Kenya recording loss of crops.
The US has lionโs share of the aid budget for disasters.
“There is the war in Ukraine. There is the earthquake in Turkey. I mean there are a lot of competing interests but obviously here,people are starving,,โ she said.
Biden had a one on one with a group of women who have been affected by drought ,she sat with them under a tree for around 30 minutes.
With help of a translator the First Lady was taken through challenges the women are facing.
Bidenโs visit to the region was significant moment when the country is suffering from food insecurity.
Drought was a key focus in Bidenโs visit to Kenya, she also had meetings on food security and farming in a changing climate.
She spent her time in the country to promoting HIV/AIDS education programs and initiatives that teach woman on economic empowerment and financial stability. She was also involved with the young generation on skills they need to get employed or start their own businesses.
Biden has been in the country before but this was the first visit by a senior White House official to the continent since her husband Joe Biden came to power in 2021.
Her visit is part of a commitment by President Joe to deepen U.S. partnerships with the African nations.
Biden was accompanied with US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Mwiteman, CS for Arid and Semi Arid Areas( ASALs), Rebecca Miano.
The leaders were hosted by Kajiado governor Joseph ole Lenku.
Monday, February 27, 2023
After the visit the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced it is providing more than $126 million(sh 16million) in additional food assistance to the people of Kenya.