The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Eacc) has donated sh600, 000 to the Red Cross Society as to help fight the pangs of hunger affecting at least 13 counties across the country.
Eacc chairperson Eliud Wabukala and Chief Executive Officer Halake Waqo presented the cheque to Red Cross boss Abbas Gullet at Integrity center yesterday morning as part of the organisation’s social corporate responsibility.
“We as human beings in our capacity whether under legal obligation or social responsibility, we are part of the Kenyan society. We want to show solidarity with what Red Cross has been doing and the humanitarian support they offer.” Waqo said.
On His part, Wabukala called for all Kenyans to show compassion to one another especially those suffering from various issues.
The chairman also challenged the Ministry of Agriculture to come up with long-term measures that will address food scarcity in the country owing to the ever changing weather conditions in the country.
“Ministry of Agriculture must come up with permanent solution of food insecurity. In Western Kenya, sometimes, during harvesting, a lot of the yield go into waste to poor storage facilities and chilly weather. Agricultural extension services must also be availed to farmers.” Wabukala added.
Gullet said the donation is part of the 25million US Dollars appeal launched last year by the Red Cross to help alleviate hunger in the country.
In what marks a departure from the past, Gullet clarified that they will no longer be procuring foodstuff for those affected due to logistical, transportation and possible theft challenges but instead they will adopt cash transfer to the affected households.
“We have raised 76 per cent of the 25million US Dollars appeal and out of that 10 per cent has been raised locally from the private sector, 30 per cent from Red Cross networks and 36 per cent from foreign donations. We are glad that Eacc has shown good support not only for the amount, but for the principle of this course.” Gullet noted.
Anti-graft body deputy CEO Michael Mubea said the donation is from the welfare kitty of Eacc officers which has a workforce of 700 officers.
