- He affirmed that the grant will go a long way in aiding Bungoma-run activities that will benefit the communities.
- Nabiswa, however, said that the grant will support climate change issues and social inclusion in society.
Image: TONY WAFULA
The Bungoma Red Cross branch got a shot in the arm after receiving Sh106 million grant that will aid run community projects for three years.
Speaking to the press at the Red Cross offices in Bungoma on Saturday during the branch AGM, Dr Ferdinand Nabiswa, the branch Chairman said the grant came after the organization signed an MoU with Christian Blind Mission (CBM).
He affirmed that the grant will go a long way in aiding Bungoma-run activities that will benefit the communities.
Nabiswa, however, said that the grant will support climate change issues and social inclusion in society.
"Kenya’s Red Cross strategic plan, envisages four pillars of growth and excellence in beneficiary, community engagement perspective, communities lead healthy lives and have opportunities to achieve social, economic and psychological wellbeing, youth initiatives and lead positive change in their communities and building a firm Kenya Red Cross Society," he said.
He told the Star that in the last financial year, the branch has undertaken several activities with various stakeholders and partners to ensure that it meets its objectives and goals within its mandate.
The branch Chairman cited food distribution mobilization from other partners, sensitization of gender-based violence, anti-jiggers and fumigation, provision of psychological support, and recruitment of new members as some of the activities they have done.
Others include the involvement of more youth and volunteers, mentorship programs for the volunteers and staff and governance training and induction.
Nabiswa said that during Covid- 19 pandemic Kenya Red Cross played a crucial role in ensuring that the disadvantaged groups in the society are accessing foodstuffs.
“We were part of the journey that saw the successful transition during Covid-19, we pledge to continue supporting that community using the grant received from CBM,” Nabiswa said.
He said that Kenya Red Cross is now active in the space where they are actively undertaking psycho-social support and financial support to members of the society that are victims of gender-based violence.
He revealed that after mapping was done in Bungoma County, Mt. Elgon was identified as an epicentre of GBV activities and together with other partners, the county government through the Department of Health commenced an outreach programme noting that it has covered many households.
He said that locals in Bungoma County have formed groups where the Kenya Red Cross is giving them entrepreneurial support, adding that women groups in Mt. Elgon will receive sheep and goats to rear.
Nabiswa said that the board is in the process of setting up a disaster and management committee.
“We have assured that once a disaster management committee is formed a legal framework will be put in place and we will now work jointly with the county government to manage disaster cases in Bungoma and its environs,” he said.
Image: TONY WAFULA
“Already we are partnering with the county special programs department to plant trees and manage some of the locals and schools affected by floods.”
He said that schools should buy ins and grant the Kenya Red Cross permission to undertake fumigation.
“Let us not wait for students to die in schools because of poor hygiene sometimes occasioned by a routine fumigation,” he said, calling on schools to reach out to the Red Cross to help.
He said that climate change and social inclusion will be the targeted interventions in the three years project noting that people who are ordinarily excluded like the elderly, PLWD, teenage mothers and other members of the society with terminal ailments will reap big from the three years project.
Dr Amin Ali Sheikh, Chairman of the development committee at Kenya Red Cross said that an annual general meeting allows the organization to assess its milestones and make deliverables.
Amin lauded President William Ruto for his commitment to supporting Kenya Red Cross execute its roles in society.
Amin, however, said that the Red Cross is not there to respond during calamity times, adding that its work surpasses the times of tragedies.
He called on the Bungoma County assembly to ensure that the County emergency disaster bill that has stalled for over ten years sails through to give Bungoma a legal status.