Turkana, Garissa, Samburu, Marsabit,Wajir and Isiolo counties which are in the alarm phase are set to benefit from a Sh50 million donation.
The support from Airtel Money Kenya Limited will be channelled towards purchasing of food items as well as the rehabilitation of water points in Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit.
An estimated 5.1 million people across the country are facing starvation and such efforts will help in mitigating the devastating effect of the drought.
“With the number of people in need of assistance rising each day, we need every member of our society to join the efforts to save the lives of those faced with the worst drought in generations," Kenya Red Cross secretary general Dr Asha Mohammed said.
Airtel managing director, Ashish Malhotra said they join Kenya Red Cross, in solidarity with affected brothers and sisters to provide much-needed relief.
"We join hands to not only provide food items and reduce suffering but to also rehabilitate water facilities to secure livelihoods," Malhotra said.
Dr Asha expressed her gratitude to Airtel Kenya for the generous donation, especially the provision of water—which is critical for both domestic and livestock use.
This comes at a time when the country is facing food and water shortages due to the ongoing drought.
Recently, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged Kenyans and the donor community to help tackling the drought menance.
Several companies and organisations have headed the call and provided the needed support.
Last week, President William Ruto appointed a National Steering Committee on Drought Response to lead the private sector to tackle the drought situation in the country.
The committee which is chaired by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, will establish an appeal fund under the auspices of the Red Cross and report to the DP who is co-ordinating the government response.
In recent days, Kenya Red Cross has received Sh2.1 million from the Gulf African Bank while Cereal Millers Association and Crown Paints Limited provided food donations that were distributed to Turkana, Kwale, Kieni, Kajiado counties among others.
