KENYA: KCCB Sends Appeal for Hunger Support
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon (Isaiah 58:10).
Receive Lenten Greetings from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Food Security situation in Kenya has deteriorated following the poor performance of the 2018 short rain season, which led to below average crop performance and inadequate replenishment of rangeland resources.
Assessments conducted by the Catholic Church, The Government, Humanitarian Agencies and reports from local media indicate that, the food insecure population reached 1,111,500 people by March 2019. The 12 most affected counties are Turkana, Baringo, Mandera, Garissa, Kilifi, Tana River, West Pokot, Marsabit, Makueni, Kajiado, Kwale and Isiolo having a total of 865,300 people needing food aid.
The higher than average day-time temperatures currently being experienced in the country, has led to rapid drying up of dams, water pans and other water sources. This has caused crop-failure, malnutrition deterioration of livestock body conditions and low milk production. Other affected sectors are health, peace and security. The delayed rainfall may culminate to a major humanitarian crisis in the country and this requires urgent response by all actors.
The main humanitarian needs include: food, water, nutrition supplements, livestock feeds/de-stocking, early recovery and restoration of livelihoods support in drought-hit communities.
We appreciate efforts made by the National and County Governments to remedy the situation. However, many families still remain at risk of starvation. We call upon the Government (National and County) and other humanitarian agencies to continue the work they are doing to support communities in distress.
The Catholic Church is appealing to all Christians and people of good will, to join hands in solidarity with the Church by donating funds, food and non-food items to save lives of those affected.
In-kind donations (dry food and non-food items) can be channelled through our parishes, Diocesan and National Offices and other Church institutions. Caritas, the development and humanitarian arm of the Church, will coordinate this initiative.
Financial support could be channelled to Kenya Commercial Bank, Account Name: Catholic Charity Emergency Fund; Account number 1106770862, Sarit Branch.
The funds collected will help the Church respond to this emergency situation through relief aid that will assist the affected communities through provision of urgent basic needs.
We thank you for your steadfast support and urge you to stand by us as we rise to this challenge.
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Source: KCCB Communications Department
