NAIROBI FEBRUARY 7, 2017 (CISA)-The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has today urged the government to declare drought a national disaster noting that about 2.4 million urgently need help.
While calling upon Christians and people of good will to join hands in solidarity with the Church by contributing funds, food and non-food items to save lives of those affected, the bishops noted that such a declaration would beckon the international community to support Kenyans who are suffering from this predicament.
“We hasten to appeal to the Government to declare the current drought a national disaster in order to beckon the international community to step forward and support the many Kenyans who are suffering from this predicament,” said Bishop Philip Anyolo, chairman of the KCCB at a press conference held at Waumini house, Nairobi.
The bishop who was accompanied by Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, Bishop Cornelius Korir of Eldoret, Anthony Muheria of Kitui and Joseph Mbatia of Nyahururu also noted that reports from dioceses and parishes in the country indicate tales of suffering, desperation, hopelessness and imminent loss of lives.
The bishops added that while different players have responded to the crisis, it remains inadequate owing to the huge number of families affected.
“Even though the Kenyan Government, Kenya Red Cross and other philanthropic groups have made varied interventions, these remains in adequate because the number of families affected is huge. We are in a state of hunger, a looming disaster,” said the bishops.
While encouraging all partners to continue answering calls for help, they urged the private sector and the Church to get more involved in the efforts.
Contributions towards the appeal can be sent to:
Kenya Commercial Bank
ACCOUNT NAME KEC-Catholic Charity Emergency Fund
Acc No: 1106770862
Branch: Sarit Centre
Or
Mpesa Pay bill
Business Number: 560702
Account Number: 560702
The funds collected will help the Church respond to emergency situation through relief to assist the affected communities through provision of urgent needs.
