The National Steering Committee on Drought Response has raised Ksh.592 million for Kenyans facing famine.
The Committee headed by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the funds will be used to purchase food for distribution and also do cash transfer.
Among the institutions who donated include Co-operative Bank – Ksh.150 million, Kenya Defense Forces – Ksh.130 million, Equity Bank – Ksh.120 million and KCB Ksh.100 million. Other corporates that boosted the kitty are Safaricom with a Ksh.50 million donation and Diamond Trust Bank – Ksh.20 million. Kenya China Economic and Trade Association and Dawoodi Bohri Community donated Ksh.10 million each while Middle East Bank gave Ksh.2 million.
“Our immediate next step is to use the money received so far to purchase and distribute relief food as well as facilitate cash transfers. We look forward to the task ahead as we support our brothers and sisters impacted by drought and we appeal to Kenyans to donate any amount they can towards the appeal fund”, said Ndegwa.
At State House on Friday, President William Ruto commended various organisations for stepping forward to support the Government’s efforts towards confronting drought in the country.
“This is beyond patriotism; we are indebted to you,” he said.
The President said the Government will put more resources to help Kenyans in need of food aid besides investing in agriculture to boost food production.
“To deal with climate change challenges we must have comprehensive short, medium and long term plans,” he added.
Earlier this week it was also announced that all Cabinet Secretaries will contribute one-month’s salary towards the fund while the committee members have agreed to donate their allowances and to seek partnerships with various service providers at no cost.
Those wishing to donate to the appeal fund can do so via M-PESA PayBill 880990 using their name as the account number or via the National Drought Mitigation Appeal Fund under KCB Bank, Riverside branch through account number 1305486137. The PayBill will also be available to Airtel Money and Telkom’s T-Kash subscribers.
