NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 27 – The Kenyan media has joined hands with the corporate sector to raise Sh500 million in the next four weeks for drought stricken Kenyans.
The initiative dubbed Kenyans for Kenya has brought together Media Owners Association, Safaricom and KCB foundations among other organisations.
Kenya Red Cross Society will manage the fund that will be used to purchase food relief to the drought stricken Kenyans.
“Unlike many other things, the world has to be shaken by this kind of images before we wake up. I said in January that if we did not prepare and respond early, we were going to be in this situation,” said Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Abbas Gullet.
KCB CEO Martin Oduor-Otieno and Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said the situation was dire and there was need for immediate intervention.
“The situation is dire and the need is urgent. We have seen the distressing images of hungry children and old people queuing in the hot sun hoping that someone will end their misery. We must do something today. The writing is on the wall, people will die if immediate relief is not provided,” remarked Mr Oduor- Otieno.
“These are our people and that makes this our problem,” added Mr Collymore.
An estimated 3.5 million Kenyans are faced with starvation and the situation has been worsened by entry of Somali immigrants fleeing drought in their country.
Counties affected most include Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir and Mandera. A previous initiative by the Kenya Red Cross Society in January this year raised only 20 percent of the funds targeted.
Donations can be sent through the M-PESA Pay Bill number 111 111 at no charge or account number 11 33 33 33 38 at KCB.
Kenya Red Cross Society cash tins will also be available in all KCB branches countrywide.
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