•Equity group and the Family of James Mwangi Have raised 120 million towards drought mitigation.
•Over 4.4 million households have benefited from the social payments programmes.
Image: Handout
Equity Group and the family of James Mwangi have donated Sh120 million to address the plight of Kenyans affected by the current drought in the country.
The amount is composed of Sh 60 million from Equity Group and another Sh60 million from the family of James Mwangi.
Speaking at a meeting to discuss the current drought situation in the country, Equity Group managing director and CEO, James Mwangi, said, they support the government's efforts in finding long lasting solution to the crisis.
“The drought issue is a recurrent problem and we commit to support the Government in its effort to find a lasting solution. On behalf of my family and Equity Bank on a matching basis through Equity Group Foundation (EGF), we will give Sh120 million ,” Mwangi said.
The Group is set to support the government and the affected communities to adopt new farming techniques including irrigation and climate smart agriculture and through its social impart arm, Equity Group Foundation.
In partnership with the government and other stakeholders, it will also help in setting up infrastructure for abattoirs to facilitate harvesting and processing of mature livestock.
“We hope that part of the support towards addressing the drought situation beyond purchasing of food, will also look into providing permanent water and pasture solutions and to support farmers to re-stock,’’ Mwangi added.
The Sh120 million donation by Equity Bank and the family of Mwangi comes 3 years after Equity Group contributed Sh 1.3 billion towards the fight to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
The investment was made up of contributions by Mastercard Foundation who contributed Sh700 million, Equity Bank sh 300 million, and the family of James Mwangi Sh300 million.
The funds has been and continues to be utilised towards the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for front-line healthcare workers in 116 government and faith-based hospitals including facilitation of psychosocial and case management training for over 50,000 health care workers.
To date, over 4.4 million households have benefited from the social payments programmes with Sh 121 billion disbursed so far.