NAIROBI, November 18 – The Kenya Red Cross (KRC) on Tuesday launched a Sh585 million appeal to help tackle a growing humanitarian crisis in the country.
Speaking during the launch of the scheme dubbed “UTU- The Power of One” Secretary General Abbas Gullet said the society aimed to assist over 30,000 victims of floods, landslide and conflicts.
Gullet said the scheme will provide alternative funding opportunities to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response operation.
“This is the reason for launching this fundraising scheme of Kenya Red Cross which would have a long-term impact association with the ordinary citizen,” he said.
The scheme provides an opportunity to all well wishers to register as members and contribute as little as Sh50 monthly towards alleviation of suffering through the KRC.
The mode of contributions is uniquely open to all modes of cash transfers procedure including the bank account and mobile phone services as M-Pesa.
Red Cross has opened bank accounts at Barclays Bank, Co-operative Bank, National Bank of Kenya and Kenya Commercial Bank and has set up a mechanism where interested donors can make monthly contributions.
The scheme will also enable the society to assist offset expenses it incurs while performing humanitarian activities.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Raila Odinga lauded the society for its operations and urged all Kenyans to unite and collectively respond to disasters.
“If you see your neighbour’s house burning you shouldn’t wait to be invited, take a bucket and run to assist. That is how compassionate we are as Africans,” said Mr Odinga.
He noted that some disasters could easily be prevented if people adhered to laid down regulations, particularly in the construction and building industries.
“The flooding can be prevented if we conserve our environment to avoid soil erosion and siltation. Let us deal with earthquakes and other natural disaster which are not preventable, ”said Mr Odinga.
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