Norway allocates NOK 12 million in humanitarian assistance to help those in need in Kenya

The Norwegian Government has decided to allocate NOK 12 million to efforts to relieve the humanitarian crisis in Kenya. These funds will be channelled through Norway’s partners in the UN system, the Red Cross Movement and NGOs.

“The situation is a tragedy for the whole Kenyan people. The Norwegian Government wishes to help to relieve the humanitarian crisis that is currently affecting large parts of the civilian population,” says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is channelling these funds to organisations that are already present in Kenya and that are familiar with the humanitarian needs and challenges the country is facing.

“The fact that aid agencies have gained better access to those in need of help over the last few days is a small bright spot in this tragedy. Road blocks are gradually being removed and the roads to the affected areas are being reopened,” says Mr Støre.

At least 500 people have been killed, thousands have been injured and a quarter of a million people have fled their homes since the presidential elections at the end of last year. Thousands of homes and properties have been destroyed, and there are worrying reports of violence and sexual abuse against vulnerable groups, including women and children.

“The violence in Kenya has opened wounds along economic and ethnic lines. It is therefore vital to make it clear that our efforts to save lives, relieve suffering and ensure protection disregard such divisions, and are based on fundamental humanitarian principles such as solidarity and impartiality,” adds Mr Støre.