The United States government will provide Sh17 billion for repatriation of refugees as Kenya pushes ahead with its plan to close the Dadaab camp by end of the year. Visiting Secretary of State John Kerry, who is in the country on a two-day tour, said an additional Sh2.5 billion would be released to support electoral reforms ahead of next year’s general elections. “The US government will offer an assistance of $170 million for refugees, returnees and for the humanitarian aid in Kenya,” said Mr Kerry.
On electoral reforms, Mr Kerry urged political parties to resolve their disagreements on policy and process in regard to the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) reforms to ensure peace after the elections. “The US is investing over $25 million in supporting Kenya’s electoral process that will be used in observation, and dispute resolution,” he said yesterday during a news conference in Nairobi.
He pointed out that the US does not support any party. “We support a free and fair election free of violent acts, this is your country and we will not step on anyone’s toes,” he said. He had in the morning held discussion with President Uhuru Kenyatta where among other things they canvassed the planned closure of Dadaab camp and the security situation in South Sudan.