State announces Sh100 million support for Red cross

The government has pledged to allocate Red Cross Society Sh100 million for support.

"Beginning this year, the government will reinstate budgetary support to Kenya Red Cross, with an initial Sh100 million, this year," President William Ruto said.

Speaking on Thursday, the President acknowledged the Red Cross Society for the exemplary support it gives to Kenyans, especially with the drought crisis.

"More than 5.1 million people have been affected by drought, and the Kenya Red Cross continues to perform an admirably responsive and effective service to them," Ruto noted.

Showering praises to society, the Head of State said that Red Cross has also played a big role in the provision of cash transfers of more than Sh1 billion, in support of social protection.

"The cash transfers have enabled vulnerable households affected by drought to meet urgent food and nutritional needs and has supported 4,500 young people," Ruto added.

The President also noted that Kenya Red Cross has significantly strengthened community health systems by investing in capacity building through the training of 88,403 community health promoters on Universal Health Coverage and Covid-19.

This was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and also directly by facilitating community health service delivery through 7,049 promoters in 29 counties.

Ruto also appreciated the movement’s critical role since the earliest years of our Republic.

"I share your commitment to effective humanitarian intervention and give my undertaking to support the Kenya Red Cross Society to be even more effective," he said