NAIROBI, June 1 (NNN-KBC) — The Government of the People’s Republic of China has dispatched food aid worth over Ksh.370 million to Kenya to assist families recently affected by floods.
While announcing the support, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi Zhang Zhizhong, further disclosed that the Red Cross Society of China is donating 100,000 USD to Kenya as part of post-flood aid.
“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,” he said
He said the consignment which includes tonnes of rice has already been shipped and will be arriving in the country sometime in June even as he expressed hope that Kenyans will benefit from a helping hand extended by Beijing.
Zhang spoke Friday at an event where the Chinese Embassy donated Ksh. 5 million to Mathare’s Mcedo Beijing School to aid reconstruction following the devastating floods.
Children from the school also got learning materials from the embassy. 39 learners from the area are also set to benefit from scholarships from the embassy this year. The school has been supported by the Chinese Embassy since 2007. Over the years, it has grown to serve 521 students across 13 grades.
“This (gesture) symbolizes the deep friendship between China and Kenya and reflects the compassion of the Chinese people for their Kenyan counterparts,” said Zhang
“We hope that the students here will excel in their studies and grow to become pillars of strength for their families and their country,” added the envoy, who reiterated that the embassy will continue supporting the development of education and improving the livelihoods of the people in Kenya.
According to Zhang, building a community with a shared future means shared joys and sorrows.
The Director of Projects at the Ministry of Education Elijah Mungai, lauded the Chinese embassy for what he described as a timely response to a humanitarian calling. He said the effects of the floods were more widespread.
“It (floods) caught us at a time when we were just about to open schools. Therefore, there was a need to give hope and when you join us in giving hope to those who were affected, we feel like you are meeting us at the place of need,” he said
He lauded the embassy for the scholarships to children from informal settlements saying the opportunities given will empower them and their communities.
“We want to appreciate that you chose Mathare, a slum area that requires to be empowered. When you empower them, you empower a very vulnerable part of our society. We will forever remember the People’s Republic of China for the opportunities you have given to these children,” said Mungai
The Deputy Director Asian and Pacific in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Jane Makori also graced the event.
“I thank the embassy and the government of the People’s Republic of China for this support during this difficult time. We had floods and you came in handy to support the school so that the children can continue learning without disruption,” said Makori
“Investing in the children is investing in the future of our partnership. It’s important to support our partnership through education. It’s a real way to support the partnership between our two governments,” she added. — NNN-KBC
