Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko receives Sh200 million from United Kingdom for disaster management

UK grants Sonko Sh200 million

Mark Mwithaga

May 7, 2019 12:03 PM

Timely boost for Governor Sonko

Nairobi Governor Sonko signing a document

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Monday received Sh 200 million from the United Kingdom to help aid with the disaster management response.

Sonko stated that the money would be used to improve the way Nairobi deals with disasters.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko signing a document after receiving the Sh200 million funding from the Global Challenges Research Fund (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

“We are reviewing the Nairobi County Disaster Management Act, 2015 so as to be more responsive to current unforeseen threats as well as developing a new disaster management plan and a new policy for the capital city,” remarked Governor Sonko.

The funding was made possible by the Global Challenges Research Fund that had a project of funding five cities across the world in regards to disaster preparedness.

The County boss stated that Nairobi was among the lucky cities to receive the gesture and the finances would be allocated to dealing with the flash floods during the rainy season.

“We often face flash floods, disease and epidemics and everyday threats like air pollution and collapse of buildings.

"However, we are determined to ensure no life is lost to disasters, especially the avoidable ones,” explained the Nairobi Governor.

Woman in Kibra dies after flash floods hit Nairobi

Last month, flash floods hit the capital after a heavy downpour that led to the death of one person and destruction of property in various estates around the city.

Floods in Nairobi Pulse Live Kenya

A woman identified as Vivian Awour, lost her life after she was swept away by flash floods that occurred at Silanga area in Kibra.

Michael Muchiri, Kibra Sub-County Police Commander, had confirmed that the deceased’s body had been recovered after the raging waters of a stream where her house was situated, destroyed it.

Mark Mwithaga