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NMG donates Sh5m to Red Cross drought response


Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Abbas Gullet has appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene in the ongoing conflict in Baringo County.

Dr Gullet was speaking at Nation Centre after Nation Media Group (NMG) donated Sh5 million to Red Cross for drought relief.

“What is happening in Baringo is totally unacceptable and I’m appealing to the president to please intervene and find a solution for the inter-clan conflict,” said Gullet.

He further said that it was sad that the most affected are children and women and asked the leaders of Baringo to “come to their senses”.

Baringo is one of the worst drought hit areas in the country which has mostly affected pastoralists leading to massive loss of livestock and livelihoods.

DIFFICULT TIMES

On his part NMG Chief Executive Officer, Joe Muganda, thanked Red Cross for helping Kenyans during difficult times and promised that NMG will always keep the stories alive.

“We will add our weight and support the Red Cross; you can count on us as we keep letting people know what is happening,” said Mr Muganda.

On the other hand Gullet said the Kenya Red Cross is working with other partners and well-wishers to help the affected communities.

“Kenya Red Cross has been working closely with the county and national government to address the drought crisis,” said Gullet.

“We can reach more Kenyans in the country with the use of technology, instead of bringing food all the way from Nairobi to the remote areas. Mothers will no longer queue to get maize and beans but they can now get the cash and purchase foodstuff of their choice.”

STARVATION

In early February, President Kenyatta declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for international aid, saying the government would increase food rations to the neediest communities.

Kenya Red Cross says 2.7 million people face starvation if more help is not provided.

Mr Kenyatta said the government has released Sh7.3 billion to tackle the drought which has affected people, livestock and wildlife in 23 of 47 counties.

“Support from our partners would complement government’s efforts in mitigating the effects of drought,” he said.

Mr Kenyatta added that all purchases of food and other items would be made in a transparent way.

“I will not tolerate anybody who would try to take advantage of this situation to defraud public funds,” the president said.