[PHOTOS]: Steering Committee on Drought distributes food in Isiolo

The National Steering Committee on Drought Response on Tuesday, distributed food in Isiolo county.

The committee targets to distribute food hampers to nine regions as part of its short-term activities to mitigate the ongoing drought. 

In December 2022, the Committee announced that it had raised more than Sh592 million since it was launched.

The funds include Sh150 million from Co-operative Bank, Sh130 million from Kenya Defence Forces, Sh120 million( Equity Bank) and Sh100 million(KCB).

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa who doubles up as the Committee chairperson revealed this on Sunday after briefing President William Ruto.

During the event, Ndegwa also announced the launch of a 'Wakenya Tulindane campaign.'

“We have adopted the name Wakenya Tulindane, which we believe symbolises the essence of the campaign; to safeguard our people and our country from effects of drought through short and long-term measures," Ndegwa said.

Other corporate institutions that have boosted the kitty are Safaricom with Sh50 million donation, Diamond Trust Bank (Sh20 million), Kenya China Economic and Trade Association and Dawoodi Bohri Community donated Sh10 million each, while the Middle East Bank gave Sh2 million.

The funds, Ndegwa said, will purchase and distribute relief food and facilitate cash transfers.

"We look forward to the task ahead as we support our brothers and sisters impacted by drought. We appeal to Kenyans to donate any amount they can go towards the appeal fund," he said.

To ensure transparency in the collection and disbursement of the funds, the chairperson said five subcommittees have been formed.