The National Steering Committee on drought response led by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has announced making more than Sh592 million since its launch by President Ruto. The committee was initiated with an aim of developing long-term sustainable solutions against the evident perennial effects of the drought.
In collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority, the committee launched the ‘Wakenya Tulindane Campaign’ on Sunday, December 4, 2022, aimed at involving every citizen in acts of kindness to support our fellows facing dire hunger situations.
“We have adopted the name Wakenya Tulindane, which we believe symbolizes the essence of the campaign; to safeguard our people and our country from the effects of drought through both short- and long-term measures,” said Ndegwa.
According to NDMA, the drought situation continues to deteriorate in 21 of the 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties. This has seen up to 4.35 million people in urgency for food assistance and support.
Some of the counties that alarmingly need severe response considering the Alarm drought phase circumstance they are in include; Laikipia, Marsabit, Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Samburu, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Turkana, Wajir, Kitui, Kajiado, and Mandera.
Followed by the Alert drought phase category in which we have; Embu, Narok, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Meru, Nyeri, and Lamu. Lastly, two counties considered to be in the Normal drought phase are Baringo and West Pokot.
The collected funds are to be channeled into supporting the mitigating the food crisis by purchasing and distributing relief food as well as facilitating cash transfers.
“We look forward to the task ahead as we support our brothers and sisters impacted by drought. We appeal to Kenyans to donate any amount they can go towards the appeal fund,” he said.
The call is urgent since Acute malnutrition has been noted across the counties with 942,000 cases of children aged 6-59 months acutely malnourished.
Moreover, an emergency in dealing with the situation is called for because 134,000 cases of pregnant or lactating women are acutely malnourished and in need of treatment.
The funds collected by the response team are from donors and well-wishers that include; Sh150 million from Co-operative Bank, Sh130 million from Kenya Defence Forces, Equity Bank’s Sh120 million, and KCB’s Sh100 million.
Not forgetting, Safaricom with an Sh50 million donation, Diamond Trust Bank (Sh20 million), Kenya China Economic and Trade Association, and Dawoodi Bohri Community donated Sh10 million each, while the Middle East Bank gave Sh2 million.
