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USAID's Role in Kenya and Tanzania After Embassy Bombings Fact Sheet released by the U.S. Agency for International Development, August 4, 1999. On August 7, 1998, terrorist bombs exploded outside the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, killing 224 people (as well as one other who is missing and is presumed dead). More than five thousand others were injured. In the immediate aftermath of the bombings, the U.S. Agency for International Development contributed to rescue, medical and mental health services efforts. These efforts go on today as the needs of the victims continue. KENYA Approximately $38 million has been allocated for U.S. Agency for International Development assistance for survivors and their families in Kenya. These funds provide assistance in two basic categories: Medical and social services ($10 million): including reconstructive and other surgeries, mental health services, assistance to the disabled, educational programs for children of the deceased bomb blast victims and emergency medical training. Over 5000 survivors of the bomb blast received treatment for injuries. Nairobi hospitals were reimbursed for this treatment. To date, 7000 people have received mental health services. This program will continue for two more years. 388 people have received reconstructive surgeries, and additional surgeries will be provided as needed. One Kenyan was sent to South Africa for rehabilitation, and one was sent to Kansas City. School fees for 890 children of the deceased and permanently disabled will be provided for the next three years. Training and rehabilitation is being provided to disabled survivors. A program is underway to improve the safety and supply of blood for transfusions. Reconstruction of infrastructure ($28 million): including purchase of a building for Kenya's Ufundi House, rehabilitation of Cooperative Bank House, as well as assistance to building owners and small businesses. 44 businesses have received grants and working capital loans to help reestablish their businesses. Grants to restart an additional 210 businesses will be disbursed shortly. Grants are being processed for 60 building owners to repair damage caused by the blast. TANZANIA In October 1998, the U.S. Agency for International Development provided $150,000 for assistance to those individuals most affected by the bombing. Funds were to be used to cover medical and funeral expenses, basic commodities, and other immediate needs which might have arisen as a result of the victim's injury or the death of a family member. In February 1999, the U.S. Agency for International Development provided an additional $9.23 million to meet critical needs of Tanzanians affected by the bombing. Three types of assistance are being provided to survivors and to help Tanzanians prepare for future disasters: Immediate and Long-Term Aid to Victims ($1 million): to provide adequate medical care, socioeconomic assistance to victims and families, and emergency medical supplies. Need surveys have been completed for 131 victims, including the families of the deceased. Payments have been made for medical expenses and for immediate needs of survivors. School fees for children of the deceased and permanently disabled will be provided. Training and rehabilitation will be provided to disabled survivors. Reconstruction of Infrastructure ($2.8 million): for rehabilitating damaged infrastructure. Grants are being processed for 35 building owners to repair damage caused by the blast. Grants are being processed for four building owners whose buildings were completely destroyed by the blast. Disaster Preparedness ($5.4 million): for strengthening local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. Integration of emergency medicine into training programs for doctors and nurses, and expansion of first aid training at the community level. Establishment of an Emergency Medical Preparedness Unit and a National Emergency Medical Response Team in the Ministry of Health. Development of operational guidelines for disaster response, and creation of a disaster preparedness public awareness campaign. [end of document] Index | 1998 Bombings | African Affairs | Counterterrorism | State Department