By Peter Ochieng
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has received a major financial boost as it reaches out to thousands of flood victims across the country.
Flooding caused by heavy downpour led to the death of about 300 people, over 75, 000 were displaced while the whereabouts of over 60 people is still unknown.
Red Cross has been among the most active organizations on ground, reaching out to thousands of families in distress.
That mission is set to continue, after Prudential Kenya through its community investment arm, Prudence Foundation handed over a Sh9.3 million donation to support relief efforts by the humanitarian agency.
Dr. Ahmed Idris, the Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society, while expressing gratitude to Prudential, said the contribution will aid recovery efforts in Busia.
He said the donation will support the purchase of 67 tonnes of food items including maize flour, beans, cooking oil, salt, and sugar. Each affected family will receive a food basket ration containing 20kg of rice or maize flour, 5 kg of beans, 2l of cooking oil, 3Kg of super cereal, 0.5Kg of salt, and 3Kg of sugar.
“The heavy rains have caused great damage countrywide with high intensity in the Western region that has experienced landslides and flooding. Busia is one of those that have suffered great tragedies, and it is a big relief for organizations like Prudential to come to our aid,” said Dr. Ahmed Idris.
On his part, Prudential Kenya CEO and Managing Director, Gwen Kinisu said: “The Prudential philosophy of supporting our customers and communities has remained steadfast over the past 175 years, and we intend to continue to serve more generations to come. This is made possible by our sustainability strategy whose ambition is to deliver real impact by taking proactive steps towards creating a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future for our customers, and the communities in which we operate.”
Flooding in Western Kenya was majorly fueled by overflowing rivers like Nzoia, Yala, Nyando, Awachi, Sondu Miriu, and the backflow of water from Lake Victoria.