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Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Kenya, has partnered with the Kenya Red Cross Society to launch the ‘Save a Life’ campaign aimed at supporting Kenyans facing the hunger crisis across the country. The month-long initiative targets to reach 6,000 drought-affected families with food donations.
In collaboration with Capwell industries, the leading retailer has prepared food packages containing essentials such as maize meal flour, rice and green grams. The relief hampers will be sold at a subsidised price of Kes. 599, with Carrefour and Capwell covering the difference to make them more affordable for Kenyans who wish to donate. Additionally, Carrefour will donate one bag for every 10 bags sold.
Franck Moreau, Regional Director — East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim, commented: “We are committed to providing urgent and substantial help to families affected by drought, with a view to supporting the government find a long-term solution. We appeal to our customers to come out in numbers and donate. Our target is to raise more than Kes. 7 million worth of donations through this campaign to support our surrounding communities during this unprecedented crisis.”
According to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), 5.1 million Kenyans require humanitarian assistance due to prolonged drought and 924,000 children under five require treatment for acute malnutrition.
“This partnership has come at a time when new data shows that more people continue to fall in the bracket of those who require relief food. We continue to appeal for more support so that as many people who need food can be reached to save them from hunger. I want to call upon every Kenyan, whether individuals or entities, to come together in our usual humanitarian spirit and save lives,” said Dr. Asha Mohammed, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society.
Currently, there are 31 counties affected by drought with 11 counties categorised in alarm stage including Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kitui, Mandera, Marsabit, Laikipia, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, and Wajir, where many residents are facing starvation.
Embu, Kilifi, Kwale, Makueni, Meru (Meru North), Narok, Nyeri (Kieni), Tharaka Nithi and Taita Taveta populations are at risk of starvation, while Baringo, West Pokot, and Lamu are in the alert phase.
The Kenya Red Cross Society will enhance support through its volunteer network to ensure the donated food is collected and distributed to the most vulnerable population.