NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16 – President Uhuru Kenyatta says COVID-19 Emergency Fund has so far raised Sh1 billion, which will assist the government in cushioning Kenyans against the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.
The President has lauded well-wishers and corporate firms who are donating, saying the fund should be responsive and not be encumbered by bureaucracy.
“Fellow Kenyans the spectrum of efforts undertaken all require resources and I am very glad to note that in the shortest time the COVID 19 response fund has been in place we are realizing contributions amounting to Sh1 billion,” Uhuru said.
In a bid to ensure safety while distributing donations, the President has said distribution of donations be coordinated by the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund team together with relevant security agencies.
“To ensure that distributions especially food and non-cash items in a safe and distributed in a safe and responsive manner the government has prescribed to be channeled through COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund,” he added.
The contribution towards the virus kitty followed government’s appeal to different individuals and companies in the country to assist in the fight against coronavirus.
“The Government of Kenya calls upon all Kenyans, Corporate Entities both domestic and multinational, as well as our international development partners to support the national initiative,” said Kenyatta during the launch of the COVID 19 fund.
This saw various government officials starting from the President volunteering part of their salary towards the emergency virus kitty.
Further, different financial institutions such as ABSA, KCB Bank, Equity, heed the call and have been donating millions towards fighting the virus.
Kenya had confirmed 234 more cases by Wednesday after 9 more people tested positive of the virus.
The disease has also led to 11 deaths so far in the country.
