Press Release

3 January 2008

Douglas Alexander announces £1 million for humanitarian relief effort in Kenya

The Department for International Development today announced that it will provide £1 million from the UK’s aid programme to the Red Cross to help relieve the most urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by the post-election violence across Kenya.

This money will be used to buy and deliver food, and provide shelter, clean water and emergency health care for up to 500,000 people displaced as a result of the unrest.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said:

“It is the poorest and most vulnerable people who are suffering from the political unrest in Kenya - the very people our aid programme is intended to help. That is why I am announcing £1 million of immediate humanitarian relief to support the work of the Kenyan Red Cross. This money will ensure that families who have been forced to leave their homes are able to access shelter, food and water and other basic services.

"In light of the political instability and violence, the UK will keep our aid programme in Kenya under ongoing review. It is vital that Kenya’s political leaders enter a process of dialogue aimed at achieving a democratic solution to bring this crisis to an end."

The UK’s contribution is a response to a Kenyan Red Cross appeal for $5.6 million (£ 2.8 million) to address the needs of those displaced by the post-election violence in Kenya.

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Notes to editors

1. The £1 million UK contribution for the humanitarian relief effort in Kenya will be channelled through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

2. The UK is providing £50 million in aid to Kenya in 2007/08. This includes help to tackle corruption, support the construction of nearly 12,000 new classrooms, and the provision of 11 million insecticide treated bed nets.

3. Since 2001/02, the Department for International Development has spent over £170 million in Kenya, making the UK the second largest bilateral donor.

4. 80% of our assistance goes towards health, education, humanitarian assistance and social protection. The remaining 20% support improved governance, private sector development and investment climate, financial sector reform, land and agricultural reform and improved statistics.

5. The UK does not provide direct budget support to the Kenyan Government. DFID’s funds to Kenya are managed separately by reliable Financial Management Agents, through special, earmarked accounts, or provided directly to non-governmental organisations. In this way, financial risks are minimised while delivering key benefits to poor Kenyans.

6. Foreign Secretary David Miliband and International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander issued a joint statement on 30 December 2007 condemning the violence and political unrest in Kenya.

7. Information on the UK’s aid programme to Kenya.

For further information, contact Helle Nordberg on 020 7023 1722 or 020 7023 0600, e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk  or call our Public Enquiries Point on 0845 300 4100.

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