Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa (1st L) and Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich (2nd L) shake hands during a donation ceremony in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, March 27, 2017. The Chinese government on Monday announced donation of 21,366 tonnes of rice, worth 21.8 million U.S. dollars, to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among Kenya's drought victims. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

NAIROBI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has announced donation of 21,366 tonnes of rice, worth 21.8 million U.S. dollars, to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among Kenya's drought victims.

Speaking at a ceremony in Nairobi on Monday, Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich lauded Beijing for responding to a presidential appeal for emergency food aid.

"The food donation is obviously a good gesture from a friendly country," said Rotich, adding that Kenya also appreciates China's assistance in infrastructure development, agriculture and health sectors.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the rice would be shipped to Kenya soon and would support 1.4 million drought-affected people for one month.

"China is always paying attention to the drought situation in Kenya," Liu said, noting the Chinese community in Kenya has also rallied behind efforts to support Kenya's drought victims through donation of food and clean water.

The East African nation has been grappling with drought that has affected an estimated 3 million people in 23 counties.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in February declared the drought a national disaster and made an emergency appeal for food aid from the international community.

Rotich said the government has set aside funds to support mitigation measures that include distribution of food rations, water and medicine to drought victims.