Thirdway Alliance party leader, Ekuru Aukot has called on the Deputy President to revive the "Kenyans for Kenya" campaign as the government seeks to raise funds for the ravaging drought in the country.
Aukot indicated that the government needs support from the citizens in dealing with the drought and famine issue ravaging the Northern and North Eastern counties of Isiolo, Mandera, Garissa, Turkana, Wajir, Samburu and Marsabit.
"On this drought and famine, let us revive 'Kenyans for Kenya'. Deputy President should bring a Paybill number so that Kenyans can contribute and save the lives of the people suffering across the country," he stated.
"Kenyans for Kenya" was a fundraiser that was started in 2011 by corporate leaders and the Kenya Red cross in response to media reports of famine and deaths from starvation in Turkana County.
The initiative raised over Ksh677 million in cash and close to Ksh300 million in kind to help address the famine situation in the north of the country.
Dr Aukot's sentiments came shortly after the government received Ksh280 million from the private sector to boost the drought-response kitty.
While receiving the donations, DP Gachagua indicated that the government urgently needed Ksh2 billion to support ongoing mitigation efforts and urged the corporate sector to be more generous.
Kenyans in over 12 counties have been suffering from the effects of drought as crops failed due to insufficient water after the long rains failed.
Currently, over 4.1 million Kenyans are grappling with the effects of severe drought across the country, as most struggle to access food and water.
An equal number of people across the country are food-insecure and in need of humanitarian assistance.
According to a report by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), three other counties, Laikipia, Tana River and Tharaka Nithi, were added to the alarm phase counties dealing with the effects of the drought.
