The government has appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to contribute towards helping survivors of the Embakasi gas tragedy.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in the latest update on the incident, said donations of items and blood are crucial in supporting those affected by the tragedy in the spirit of brotherhood.
Mwaura said the donations should be channeled to the command centre and various hospitals, which include Kenyatta National Hospital and KU Referral Hospital.
So far, the UN Resident Coordinator has mobilised 1,000 blankets, 1,000 sleeping mats, 1,200 tarpaulins, and 600 kitchen sets from the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
Mwaura said a multi-agency collaboration has seen 680 bags of rice, 1,000 bags of beans, 50 cartons of corned beef, and drinking water distributed to those affected.
In addition, other non-food items, which include 600 blankets, 3,000 plates, and equal number of spoons, 50 cartons of bar soap, 20 bales of sanitary towels, and 600 portable stoves, are being supplied to meet the everyday needs of the victims.
The Nairobi County government is hosting victims in various halls and providing ready-to-eat food for all victims, which is essential for their immediate sustenance.
Mwaura said additional support in a collaboration between the Kenya Red Cross and UNFPA has been able to raise 300 boxes of sanitary towels, 1,500 undergarments, 100 mama kits, and 100 dignity kits.
Forty beds, 663 blankets, 663 mosquito nets, 663 jerricans, 330 bed sheets, and 160 pillows have also been provided.
“The Ministry of Health has distributed 10 trauma kits across various hospitals, including three at KNH, two at Mbagathi Hospital, two at Mama Lucy Hospital, and one at Komarock Hospital,” Mwaura said.
The supplies are aimed at ensuring the medical needs of the injured are promptly met.
“In addition to the medical supplies, the ministry of health is coordinating patient referrals and the provision of blood products, offering psychosocial support, and ensuring nutrition for lactating mothers,” Mwaura said.
The number of medical personnel has been increased in order to provide adequate care to the victims, he said.
The Ministry of Trade, on the other hand, has been tasked with addressing the economic impact of the tragedy with a focus on the needs of the 72 business units that were destroyed in the incident.
“Security and logistics coordination by the Interior Ministry and the police have ensured a safe and orderly environment for the ongoing relief efforts, which is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of the response operations,” the spokesperson said.
In a coordinated effort to address the medical needs rising from the tragedy, the World Health Organization has supplied 500 emergency kits tailored for the treatment of burns and fractures.
