UK pledges Sh500mn to root out cattle rustling, drought menace

juma chrispinus

March 18, 2017 1:13 PM

Last month, a former Briton soldier was killed by bandits.

Britain has pledged to donate over Sh500 million in an effort to mitigate the ongoing prolonged drought, a month after her ex-soldier was killed by bandits in a shootout.

Speaking while on his tour to Kenya, UK’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the pledge is a move to complement Kenya's efforts to end feuds resulting from cattle rustling.

Johnson said at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday that they are ready to support Kenya in dealing with the situation.

"The UK will give out 4 million pounds (Sh509 million) to aid malnourished children as well as tackle drought effects," he said.

This was after Johnson visited drought-stricken Laikipia county in the wake of numerous attacks in the recent months.

"Johnson visited Lewa wildlife conservancy this morning to see UK support for conservation and communities," UK High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey wrote on Twitter.

He also awarded "Long Service Good Conduct" medal to Mohamed Shan at the British Training Unit in Nanyuki, Central Kenya.

The British official said he was happy with the state declaration of drought as a national disaster.

The government made the declaration on February 10 following the drought that has affected 23 counties - most of which are in arid and semi-arid areas.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, in this regard, urged local and international agencies to support the affected Kenyans.

juma chrispinus