Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said they will work side by side with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) alongside other partners and county governments in response to the floods that have caused havoc.
"In line with our earlier plans in response to the floods, we will work side by side to prevent further suffering," he said.
The Deputy President spoke on Thursday when he held a meeting with the United Nations to discuss the mitigation of the negative impacts of the ongoing enhanced rain.
He said in the midst of the disasters associated with climate change Kenya is focusing on building resilience of communities affected to reduce impact and minimize losses.
He stated the UN was one of the country's long-standing strategic partners in sustainable development.
"Its agencies have also been pillars in humanitarian support to Kenya in our effort of alleviating suffering, especially in times of disasters and other crises," Gachagua said.
Officials who attended the meeting included the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) regional office for Southern and Eastern Africa team led by the assistant secretary general and deputy emergency relief coordinator Joyce Msuya.
The meeting was held at the DP's official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
He said Kenya looks forward to more partnerships during this time of emergency and beyond as we build resilience structures for sustainable prevention of loss of lives and livelihoods as we battle the negative effects of Climate Change.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and the UN Resident Coordinator to Kenya Stephen Jackson were also present.
The Deputy President said Kenya, under President William Ruto, is a leading champion of the fight against the effects of climate change, adding that the administration targeted planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to increase the forest.
“The President is leading from the front in matters mitigating the effects of climate change. We held a successful Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi and as a continent, we have taken a common position that we shall be able to put across during the Cop 28,” added the DP.
Msuya praised Kenya for being a leading example in the coordination and distribution of humanitarian assistance saying OCHA will continue to partner with the government.
“What the Kenyan government has done in fighting drought has been incredibly outstanding. We look at Kenya as a strategic partner and a strong supporter of the United Nations," Msuya said.
The humanitarian community looks up to Kenya on how to coordinate responsive efforts. From the top of OCHA’s leadership, I reiterate our strong commitment to supporting the efforts.”
The OCHA Regional Office for Southern and Eastern Africa (ROSEA) covers 25 countries from Nairobi, covering emergency preparedness and response, communications and information management.
