‘Kenyans for Kenya’ Campaign: Get involved

As one of the worst droughts in decades hits the Horn of Africa, there have been accusations that governments across the world have been too slow to respond. However, looking at the actions of thousands of ordinary Kenyans, it is hard to imagine a greater spirit of generosity and solidarity.

The ‘Kenyans for Kenya’ campaign was launched at the end of July to publicise the famine that has spread to much of northern Kenya, and to create the opportunity for Kenyans to give donations themselves. The money will counter the humanitarian disaster affecting millions living in the country. The Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Abbas Gullet has called the Kenyan response “overwhelming”. By 5 August, the total gained through contributions had reached Sh490,022,722. Businesses had given over Sh300 million of this; organisations such as the Safaricom Foundation, KCB Foundation and the Media Owners’ Association had all given their backing. T-shirts have also been produced to promote the cause and are available at Nakumatt, NCB and Safaricom shops.

It remains to be seen how much support the Kenyan state will give to these civilian initiatives. Whilst the UN has estimated that over 4 millions Kenyans are faced with the risk of starvation due to the drought, the national government said it had not received news of any such mortalities. The Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojode commented on the delegates working in the affected areas: “not even in a single communication have they mentioned hunger-related deaths”.

Whatever the situation on the ground, it is clear that help is still needed if millions living in the Horn of Africa are to have enough food, water and basic sanitation.

To show your support for the Kenyans for Kenya campaign:

Send donations to M-PESA PayBill Number 111111 or to KCB Account Number 1133333338.

Check out the Kenyans for Kenya Facebook page or follow @Kenyans4Kenya on Twitter.