UAE sends food aid to support drought-hit Kenyan residents

The UAE has dispatched 30 tonnes of food assistance to Kenya through the UAE Aid Agency, in support of families impacted by severe drought conditions and escalating climate challenges affecting the country.

Kenya is currently facing intensified climatic impacts, including the “La Niña” phenomenon, caused by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures that disrupt weather patterns.

These conditions have adversely affected food security across several regions of the country.

Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast humanitarian approach in extending assistance to communities in need around the world.

He emphasised the country’s continued commitment to promoting the values of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

The UAE remains dedicated to standing alongside nations facing difficult circumstances due to disasters, crises, or challenges in accessing essential food supplies.

He further noted that the teams of the UAE Aid Agency, in coordination with national donor entities and charitable organisations, continue to provide comprehensive support to ensure rapid response and early recovery in humanitarian emergencies and climate-related crises.

He highlighted that the UAE’s efforts reflect its enduring humanitarian legacy and unwavering commitment to delivering aid and supporting vulnerable communities across all continents.

Kenya has been experiencing severe drought waves that have significantly impacted food security, contributed to wildlife degradation, and exacerbated water shortages, thereby increasing the need for essential food assistance among affected populations.

Earlier, in a separate development, Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, affirmed that the success of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 requires partnerships built on long-term commitment and sustainable development, noting that transforming ambitions into tangible achievements requires strategic cooperation that enhances inclusive growth and economic integration across the continent.

In an opinion article published on CNBC Africa, Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan said that as the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union convenes in Addis Ababa, attention is focused on translating the ambitious vision of Agenda 2063 into measurable economic outcomes.

He added that the partnership between the UAE and Africa embodies this approach, as the UAE views Africa as a strategic partner in shaping a more balanced global order, and its people as essential partners in addressing shared challenges, from food security to climate change.

Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan noted that he conducted extensive visits last year to a number of African countries, during which he met leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers interested in achieving practical economic outcomes.

He pointed out that trade integration, infrastructure expansion, strengthening energy capacity and effective water resource management constitute essential pillars for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

Sheikh Shakhboot affirmed that Africa is undergoing fundamental transformations that enhance its attractiveness as an economic partner, given that it has the world’s fastest-growing population, expanding consumer markets and advanced continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening the door to a new phase of economic integration and industrial ambition.

He added that the question is no longer whether opportunities exist, but rather which partners are prepared to invest for the long term and with clear objectives.

Sheikh Shakhboot stressed that successful partnerships require linking trade policies with investment in infrastructure, energy development and future growth sectors, through integrated approaches across all sectors, ensuring sustainable structural transformation based on coordinated frameworks that bring together capital, logistics, energy, water and technology.

Sheikh Shakhboot explained that this is the approach adopted by the UAE in its cooperation with the African continent, based on trust, friendship, credibility and a shared vision for sustainable progress.

WAM