Speeches Shim
For decades, the United States has been the world's largest provider of assistance in global health, putting countries like Kenya in a better position to respond to disease outbreaks like COVID-19. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided over $54 million in direct COVID-19 relief to Kenya, including $8.4 million to help vaccinate the people of Kenya quickly and safely.
Laikipia is one of the most important wildlife regions in Kenya. Across this rangeland plateau fringed by highland forests, a mosaic of private and community conservancies collectively manages 3500 square kilometers of wildlife habitat, sustaining globally significant biodiversity while supporting pastoral and commercial cattle enterprises.
Since 2004, USAID has invested close to USD $32 million in northern and coastal Kenya through its partnership with Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT). That investment has led to the development of 43 independent and sustainable community-owned conservancies in Kenya. The communities are driving local development in conservation, economic empowerment, and peace and security.
Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is globally documented as a violation of human rights. Over 200 million girls worldwide are at risk of undergoing this harmful practice, the majority being under the age of 15. In Kenya, the Kuria community in Migori county has the highest rates of prevalence of FGM.
Mary, like other young girls in Kenya, were sent home due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and businesses alike suffered economically and had to fend for their families with little or no income. “I requested for pads,” says Mary. “My guardian asked me to choose whether I wanted to eat or have the sanitary products.”
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Last updated: May 23, 2022
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