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UN food aid targets Kenya crisis UN food aid targets Kenya crisis
(10 minutes later)
New efforts to tackle the worsening humanitarian situation in Kenya are to begin soon with a UN shipment of food.New efforts to tackle the worsening humanitarian situation in Kenya are to begin soon with a UN shipment of food.
The 666 tonnes on trucks from the port of Mombasa will try to tackle shortages caused by post-election violence.The 666 tonnes on trucks from the port of Mombasa will try to tackle shortages caused by post-election violence.
President Mwai Kibaki, who won polls the opposition says were rigged, has said he is willing to form a government of national unity to ease the crisis.President Mwai Kibaki, who won polls the opposition says were rigged, has said he is willing to form a government of national unity to ease the crisis.
Diplomatic moves are being stepped up, with planned mediation by a US envoy and the African Union chairman.Diplomatic moves are being stepped up, with planned mediation by a US envoy and the African Union chairman.
More than 350 people have been killed in Kenya and 250,000 made homeless in violence since the 27 December elections.More than 350 people have been killed in Kenya and 250,000 made homeless in violence since the 27 December elections.
Armed escorts Wider region
The UN World Food Programme shipment on 20 trucks should be able to feed 35,000 people for a month.The UN World Food Programme shipment on 20 trucks should be able to feed 35,000 people for a month.
President Kibaki is under diplomatic pressure to end the violencePresident Kibaki is under diplomatic pressure to end the violence
The BBC's Peter Greste in Mombasa says that after a week of violence, food, fuel and basic commodities are in critically short supply across East Africa.The BBC's Peter Greste in Mombasa says that after a week of violence, food, fuel and basic commodities are in critically short supply across East Africa.
The UN shipment will split its aid between the troubled town of Eldoret and the capital, Nairobi.The UN shipment will split its aid between the troubled town of Eldoret and the capital, Nairobi.
Our correspondent says the restoration of truck movements halted by the violence is essential not just for Kenya but the wider region as Kenya is the distribution hub for malnourished countries like Somalia, Sudan, the eastern Congo and Uganda.Our correspondent says the restoration of truck movements halted by the violence is essential not just for Kenya but the wider region as Kenya is the distribution hub for malnourished countries like Somalia, Sudan, the eastern Congo and Uganda.
Next week it is hoped armed escorts can be provided for truck movements.Next week it is hoped armed escorts can be provided for truck movements.
British charity Merlin has warned of a looming health crisis in Kenya.British charity Merlin has warned of a looming health crisis in Kenya.
Country director Wubeshet Woldermariam said food and water supplies were "running dangerously low".Country director Wubeshet Woldermariam said food and water supplies were "running dangerously low".
"If peace isn't restored within the next few days, disease outbreaks and severe dehydration are very real threats.""If peace isn't restored within the next few days, disease outbreaks and severe dehydration are very real threats."
DisplacedDisplaced
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the electoral row will be stepped up on Sunday when US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer meets the rival politicians.Diplomatic efforts to resolve the electoral row will be stepped up on Sunday when US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer meets the rival politicians.
Next week, the President of Ghana, John Kufuor, also the African Union chairman, will visit Kenya to try to mediate.Next week, the President of Ghana, John Kufuor, also the African Union chairman, will visit Kenya to try to mediate.
KENYA'S ETHNIC GROUPS Population 34.5m, comprising more than 40 ethnic groupsKikuyu are the largest tribe, mostly concentrated around NairobiMost of Eastern/ North-eastern regions sparsely populated with ethnic Somalis Main ethnic groups are: Kikuyu: 22% Luhya: 14% Luo: 13% Kalenjin: 12% Kamba: 11%Kisii: 6%Meru: 6%Other African: 15% Ethnic tensionsViolence scars town KENYA'S ETHNIC GROUPS Population 34.5m, comprising more than 40 ethnic groupsKikuyu are the largest tribe, mostly concentrated around NairobiMost of Eastern/ North-eastern regions sparsely populated with ethnic Somalis Main ethnic groups are: Kikuyu: 22% Luhya: 14% Luo: 13% Kalenjin: 12% Kamba: 11%Kisii: 6%Meru: 6%Other African: 15% Ethnic tensionsViolence scars town
His mediation was initially rejected by Mr Kibaki but the president has now agreed to the visit.His mediation was initially rejected by Mr Kibaki but the president has now agreed to the visit.
Mr Kibaki has said he is willing to form a government of national unity.Mr Kibaki has said he is willing to form a government of national unity.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga indicated he was willing to negotiate, but reiterated his view that Mr Kibaki should step down.Opposition leader Raila Odinga indicated he was willing to negotiate, but reiterated his view that Mr Kibaki should step down.
The BBC's Adam Mynott says if the pair do sit down together for talks they will start from very different positions, but that even a willingness to talk is a sign of progress.The BBC's Adam Mynott says if the pair do sit down together for talks they will start from very different positions, but that even a willingness to talk is a sign of progress.
Tens of thousands of Kenyans have been displaced by the violence.Tens of thousands of Kenyans have been displaced by the violence.
In the latest clashes, several houses were set on fire in Nairobi's Mathare slum district, the Associated Press news agency reported, adding that one man had been shot dead by police.In the latest clashes, several houses were set on fire in Nairobi's Mathare slum district, the Associated Press news agency reported, adding that one man had been shot dead by police.
And the BBC's Grant Ferrett in the western city of Kisumu says hundreds of ethnic Kikuyus were being forced to leave on buses after being targeted by opposition supporters who accused them of backing President Kibaki.And the BBC's Grant Ferrett in the western city of Kisumu says hundreds of ethnic Kikuyus were being forced to leave on buses after being targeted by opposition supporters who accused them of backing President Kibaki.
Kenyan politics has been dogged by ethnic tensions since independence in 1963.Kenyan politics has been dogged by ethnic tensions since independence in 1963.
Mr Kibaki depends for support on the largest ethnic group, the Kikuyus, while the western Luo and Kalenjin groups - who seek greater autonomy - back Mr Odinga.Mr Kibaki depends for support on the largest ethnic group, the Kikuyus, while the western Luo and Kalenjin groups - who seek greater autonomy - back Mr Odinga.