U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUREAU FOR DEMOCRACY, CONFLICT, AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (DCHA)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)
The climate in Kenya's Eastern Province is marked by extremes, alternating between floods and long periods of drought. When rains are scarce, wells and river beds dry up, forcing inhabitants to walk up to 15 km in search of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Consumption of contaminated water and a lack of sufficient water contribute to the spread of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases.
USAID/OFDA frequently responds to emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene needs in drought-affected areas of Kenya. In addition, USAID/OFDA supports programs aimed at strengthening local populations' ability to cope with and combat the effects of drought, thereby reducing the need for future emergency interventions. Since FY 2007, USAID/OFDA has provided nearly $3.1 million to implementing partner Welthungerhilfe (WHH)1 in support of an innovative program designed to turn floodwaters into a source of accessible, safe drinking water, available to communities when other water sources run dry.