The government on Friday, July 13, announced free rice distribution for Kenyans who were recently affected by floods in several parts of the country.
While making the announcement, the government clarified that the free rice was a donation by the Chinese government to the people of Kenya.
The Kenya Ports Authority confirmed the support, stating that it had received a donation of 14,800 MT of rice from China at the Inland Container Depot Embakasi.
"The donation which was handed over by the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya H. E. Zhou Pingjian is part of the continuous donations of humanitarian aid donated to the Kenyan Government," KPA noted.
According to the KPA, the rice would be distributed to all the victims of the recent floods including Kenyans in the Lake Region, Tana River and Madera.
Other counties that would also receive the donation include Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana and Wajir.
Kenyans in the listed regions were urged to visit their respective National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots to receive their share.
The announcement by KPA comes hardly two months after China vowed to dispatch food aid worth over Ksh370 million to assist Kenyans affected by floods.
While announcing the move, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi Zhang Zhizhong, noted the Red Cross Society of China would also make its donation.
“China reaffirms its unwavering solidarity and commitment to working closely with Kenya, striving to build an even closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era,” Zhang Zhizhong stated.
“This symbolizes the deep friendship between China and Kenya and reflects the compassion of the Chinese people for their Kenyan counterparts,” he added.
Zhang Zhizhong exuded confidence that the consignment would be of immense benefit to the people of Kenya through the helping hand extended by Beijing.
