NAIROBI, MARCH 22 2019 (CISA) – The Catholic Church is appealing to all Christians and people of good will, to join hands in solidarity with the Church by donating funds, food and non-food items to save the lives of those affected.
In a March 19 statement, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, (KCCB), through Caritas Kenya, noted that the higher than average day-time temperatures currently being experienced in the country, have led to rapid drying up of dams, water pans and other water sources.
According to assessments conducted by the Catholic Church, the Government, Humanitarian Agencies and reports from local media, the food insecure population has reached 1,111,500 people by March 2019. The most affected counties are Turkana, Baringo, Mandera, Garissa, Kilifi, Tana River, West Pokot, Marsabit, Makueni, Kajiado, Kwale and Isiolo, having a total of 865,300 people needing food aid.
“We appreciate efforts made by the National and County Governments to remedy the situation. However, many families still remain at risk of starvation,” the bishops said the statement signed by Archbishop Phillip Anyolo, chairman of KCCB and Archbishop Martin Kivuva, president of Caritas Kenya.
According to Caritas Kenya, the main humanitarian needs include: food, water, nutrition supplements, livestock feeds/de-stocking, early recovery and restoration of livelihoods support in the drought-hit communities.
In-kind donations (dry food and non-food items) can be channeled through Parishes, Diocesan and National Offices and other Church institutions.
Speaking to CISA on the situation in Marsabit Fr Ibrahim Racho, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit warns that the situation is expected to worsen with higher than average temperatures currently being experienced leading to rapid drying up of dams, water pans and other water sources.
“There is severe lack of water, and animals are really weak and people are walking really long distances in search of water. The situation is really bad,” he says.
Donations can be sent to:
BANK: Kenya Commercial Bank
A/C NAME: KEC Catholic Charity Emergency Fund
A/C No.: 1106770862
BRANCH: Sarit Centre
MPESA PAY BILL: Business Number: 560702
Account Number: 560702
