Ksh.7 billion needed to sustain flood rescue efforts across Kenya - Red Cross

Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer Show on Tuesday Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris noted that the floods have resulted in a humanitarian crisis akin to the 2007 post-election violence.

He further cited government data indicating the displacement of 47,000 households across 34 affected counties, underscoring the need for Ksh. 7 billion to address the situation.

“The floods are widespread across the country affecting 34 counties with different levels of intensity. The displacement across the country is now at above 47,000 households. We’ve not witnessed that magnitude of displacement as a country since the post-election violence,’ said Dr. Idris.

“Right now we are looking at a total of about Ksh.7 billion to sustain a national operation across the country." 

The Red Cross Sec-Gen further highlighted that the organization's 30,000 volunteers, organized into different teams, require essential resources such as food, fuel, and water treatment supplies for distribution to affected areas.

“The first thing we need is food, especially dry foods such as cereals that can last for a period, water treatment and chemicals, medication or medicines for treatment, “ he said. 

“Then we have the logistics on how to reach different areas; we require vehicles,  fuel for vehicles, food, and water treatment chemicals to provide clean water sanitation in the country. It is a costly response that we had not imagined as an organization we would require such resources. We are working with our partners to mobilize the required resources.”

Dr. Idris however cautioned Kenyans against using the Red Cross donation platform as a means to dispose of unwanted items, urging donors to consider the dignity of displaced individuals and donate thoughtfully.

“We don’t want donations processes to become opportunities for dumping because you have to donate things that are usable to the displaced. We are obligated to be careful to not not insult the dignity of the displaced further than the difficulties they have, “ he warned. 

“Ask yourself if you were displaced, what would you have needed?"