KENYA: Embu Diocese Donates to Archdiocese of Nairobi
Embu Diocese donates foodstuff to Nairobi Archdiocese
Rose Achiego
The Archdiocese of Nairobi on Wednesday, 8th July 2020, received a donation of food and clothing from the Diocese of Embu to go towards assisting those affected by Covid-19 pandemic in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
This was a reversal of roles as the Archdiocese of Nairobi has over the years been donating to other dioceses affected by famine such as Nakuru, Marsabit, Machakos and Lodwar, and other dioceses across the country through Caritas Kenya.
Receiving the contribution at Mji wa Furaha in Ruaraka, Nairobi, Caritas Nairobi Deputy Director Sister Modesta Karuri, said the situation of the needy people in Nairobi is dire as most of them are casual labourers and have since lost their jobs.
“Many slum dwellers have lost their means of livelihood due to Covid-19 and are now unable to feed their families. Given that the children are at home, the rate of consumption of food has also gone high,” Sr. Karuri said.
She added that many families are no longer able to pay rent and utility bills, a situation which triggers domestic violence and child abuse.
This trend that has prompted her office to partner with professional counsellors in offering psychological support to victims.
Sister Modesta Karuri called on well-wishers to come to their aid, noting that contributions from parishes are dwindling because many families that used to support the Church are also overstretched.
“The first month of Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya was easy as we could receive support from Christians. Now, those who used to give donations in the parishes are themselves in need of support,” she said.
Through Caritas Embu office, the Diocese of Embu gave 40 bags of maize and clothes and has promised to give more when they receive some more from the purpose of responding to the needs of the people.
During these Covid-19 pandemic times, Caritas Nairobi has come up with a baskets of hope initiative. In every basket, a needy household is gifted with shopping worth approximately $ 30 United States dollars (3,000 Kenya Shillings).
Meanwhile, Caritas Kenya Program Officer, Mr. Donald Ochieng, has applauded the Diocese of Embu for their kind gesture, urging more people to respond to the Bishops’ Emergency Response Appeal in aid of those affected by Covid-19 and other calamities.
