By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Emergency response for the Kenya Red Cross during the ongoing heavy rainfall season has received a major boost. This is after the society on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, received a cash donation of Ksh25 million from Airtel Kenya.
The telecommunications company, in an update on its social media pages, said the donation will go towards supporting the humanitarian agency’s response to Kenyans affected by floods.
Part of the money will also go towards helping Kenyans who have been left homeless.
“Airtel Money Kenya Limited has donated Kes 25 million to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to assist victims of flooding caused by the country’s heavy March-April-May (MAM) rains,” the company said in a statement on its verified X handle.
“The all-cash donation aims to boost KRCS’s relief efforts in restoring livelihoods in some of the counties most affected by the floods. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we remain steadfast in collaborating during times of need to help,” it added.
A similar statement was also issued by the Kenya Red Cross.
Since the onset of the heavy rains, the society established in 1965 by the Kenya Red Cross Society Act has played a key role in responding to various emergencies that have included rescuing people stranded after flooding and during mudslides as was the case on Tuesday night at Kmende area.
“.@AIRTEL_KE has donated Ksh 25 million to support Kenya Red Cross’ flood response efforts. This generous contribution was presented by CEO Ashish Malhotra and Airtel Money Kenya Ltd MD Anne Kinuthia Otieno,” the society said.
“We commend @AIRTEL_KE for standing with flood-affected communities and for their enduring partnership with us,” it added.
On Tuesday, the government said at least 289 people had died as a result of the floods while 285,600 others were left homeless.
The government and the Kenya Red Cross have been offering support with food and nonfood items to the victims now living in 187 camps across 25 counties.