KENYA: HUNGER PROBLEM;- BISHOPS APPEAL FOR HELP
Kenya Episcopal Conference is appealing to all Faithful and People of Good will to join hands in solidarity with the starving people in Kenya.
The message statement issued and signed by The Secretary General of the Conference Fr Vincent Wambugu on behalf of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Chairman-KEC, Bishop Martin Kivuva-Chairman Caritas Kenya and all Most and Rt. Rev. Bishops said Kenya is facing a very difficult time as a result of the drought which has hit the country following the failure of the 2010 short rains and the 2011 long rains.
The current drought situation in Kenya is characterized by food shortages, increasing food prices, lack of water, migration and conflict, malnutrition, children dropping out of school, starvation and death of livestock.
The Bishops are deeply concerned by the crisis and the suffering of many Kenyans as a result of the current drought. “Our concern is that of the millions of vulnerable people who are facing the risk of starvation and the loss of livelihoods of many communities as a result of the crisis,” he said.
The most affected area as reported by the media and other sources includes;- Pastoralists in the north, northeast, northwest, and the south (Maasai rangelands); Marginal agricultural households in the coastal and south-eastern lowlands
It is in this light that the Bishops are appealing to the people to join hands in solidarity to ensure that these Kenyans do not continue suffering from starvation and hunger, through food donations and financial support.
Food donations can be channelled through Outstations, Parishes, Diocesan Offices and other Church Structures.