China donates relief food to Kenyan victims of drought

China's the Red Cross Society donated some 60,000 kilograms of maize flour to drought-hit Kenya on Monday, to help Kenyans who were affected by the crippling disaster.

The donation worth 20,000 US dollars are all purchased locally, Chinese Ambassador Guo Chongli, who made the donation on behalf of the Red Cross, said at the hand-over ceremony.

"It is our sincere hope that these suppliers can help brotherly Kenyan people when they are in difficulties," the ambassador said, adding that "we firmly believe that, under the leadership of President Mwai Kibaki, with the joint efforts made by the government and the people, and assisted by the international community, Kenya will be the winner in this national battle against drought."

Kenyan Minister of State for Special Programs Njenga Karume said at the ceremony that the Chinese government and the Chinese people have always stood by Kenyans in times of disaster, for every time we have problems, they come to help us."

Karume promised that "those who need it (the relief goods) will get it."

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki declared last month the current drought situation in the east African country "a national disaster," which was followed by appeals for food and non-food aid by the United Nations and the Kenyan government.

Reports said over 2.3 million Kenyans require emergency relief assistance in the country of 32 million.

Source: Xinhua