Standard Newspaper Published on 24/05/2011 By Ally Jamah
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| Northern Kenya Caucus Director, Mr. Ibrahim during the Media Briefing of the Program, SKIP LUNCH, FIGHT HUNGER" in Eastleigh, Nairobi-Kenya |
A new initiative dubbed "Skip Lunch, Fight Hunger" has been launched in Eastleigh Estate, Nairobi, where residents donate food and money to feed the hungry in North Eastern. Trucks carrying the donations are expected to deliver the supplies next week to supplement relief food from the Government and other non-governmental organisations.
This comes amid reports of hunger in remote parts of Northern Kenya, including Wajir, Turkana.
Organised by the Northern Kenyan Caucus (NKC) , individuals and business have so far contributed close to Sh1 million, food and clothing.
"The target for the first phase of the initiative is to raise Sh10 million by having 100,000 people contribute Sh100 of their lunch money," said Ibrahim Ahmed, NKC’s Executive Director.
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| Banners used during the "SKIP LUNCH, FIGHT HUNGER" Program |
On Tuesday, Eastleigh residents were seen delivering supplies and buying lunch coupons at tents located near shopping malls.
"I have always wanted to help Kenyans who are facing hunger in many parts of the country. I am now happy that I have had a chance to do so," said Sharmake Ali as he delivered a bale of clothes. Supported by corporate organisations like Airtel and the Eastleigh Business Community, the initiative seeks to collect millions of shillings spent on lunch daily and channel it to hungry Kenyans.
Sacrifice
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| Food Collected During the "SKIP LUNCH, FIGHT HUNGER" 2011 at Eastleigh, Nairobi-Kenya |
"As we are talking, millions of people in Northern Kenya are facing hunger and an uncertain future as the drought continues to destroy their livestock and crops," said NKC’s Programme Officer David Lomoywara.
Secretary General of the Eastleigh Business Community Umar Yusuf said his organisation would help mobilise funds from business people and residents and urged Kenyans to join the noble effort.
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| Food Collected at Eastleigh, Nairobi-Kenya during the "SKIP LUNCH, FIGHT HUNGER" Drought Project |
""I believe that many Kenyans would be happy to sacrifice their lunch to see other Kenyans enjoy a meal. Some people in Northern Kenya go for days without a proper meal on the table," he said.
Kenyans or well-wishers willing to contribute their lunch money can contact Ahmed through +254-726-722- 226 or send cash donations directly to NKC’s Drought Account Number 110066 at First Community Bank Kenya Limited, Wabera Branch, Nairobi-Kenya. Collection tents have also been set up in Eastleigh and Nairobi’s Central Business District.
