The European Union has announced a Ksh37.6 million emergency funding to support Kenyan families affected by worsening drought, flooding, and disease outbreaks.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 9, the EU said the situation in Kenya has deteriorated significantly, and the funding aims to help the most affected communities.
"In response to Kenya’s rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, marked by prolonged drought, severe flooding and fast-spreading disease outbreaks, the European Union is providing €250,000 in humanitarian aid to support affected communities facing overlapping climate and health emergencies," the statement read.
According to the EU, the number of people facing hunger and water shortages continues to grow, rising to 2.1 million by January 2026.
It said the funds, channeled through the Kenya Red Cross Society, will help deliver urgent assistance such as food, clean water, cash transfers, healthcare and protection services.
Read More
"Over 1.8 million people are currently facing acute food insecurity, with projections rising to 2.1 million by January 2026. Water sources are shrinking, malnutrition is increasing and humanitarian funding continues to decline.
"The EU’s emergency contribution will enable the Kenya Red Cross Society to provide essential food assistance, clean water, cash support, healthcare and protection services to the most affected communities," the statement explained.
EU said the project will run for six months and aims to reach more than 150,000 vulnerable people.
"The six-month project, running until the end of May 2026, is expected to support more than 150,000 vulnerable people affected by the converging crisis.
"This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)," the statement further read.
Meanwhile, Kenya is set to make history after being selected as the first African nation to host the World Geothermal Congress.
In a statement on Tuesday, the International Geothermal Association (IGA) confirmed Nairobi as the venue for the 2029 edition of the global energy event.
"The International Geothermal Association (IGA) is delighted to announce that Nairobi, Kenya has been selected as the host city for the World Geothermal Congress 2029 (WGC2029). This marks the first time in history that the world's flagship geothermal event will be held on the African continent," the statement read.
The IGA added that Kenya’s leadership in geothermal power made it an ideal host for the landmark congress.
"As one of the world's leading geothermal nations and a recognized pioneer in large-scale geothermal power generation, Kenya offers a compelling setting for the Congress. WGC2029 will spotlight the innovation, ambition, and growth of geothermal development not only in Kenya but across the entire African region," the statement added.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the win underscored Kenya’s global standing in renewable energy.
"Kenya's victory to host WGC 2029 is a proud testament to our leadership in geothermal energy and Africa's rising global stature. The Government of Kenya is committed to providing all required support to make this prestigious Congress a success. I look forward to participating in the handover ceremony during the WGC 2026 in Calgary, Canada," he said.
With Kenya now preparing to take over hosting duties, the IGA confirmed that planning for the 2029 Congress will begin immediately.
"Both organizations will now begin co-developing the Hosting Agreement and operational planning for the Congress. The official hand-over ceremony from Calgary to Nairobi will take place during the closing ceremony of the World Geothermal Congress 2026," the statement added
The IGA concluded its announcement by commending all countries that participated in the competitive bidding process.
"The IGA extends sincere appreciation to all countries that submitted bids. Every proposal demonstrated significant strengths. This decision is not a rejection of the other strong bids, but a recognition of Kenya's outstanding readiness, vision, and continental positioning," the statement concluded.
