Huawei Contributes towards Drought Relief in Kenya

Huawei Technologies, has donated Kshs 9.4 million to the Kenya Red Cross Society to support urgent humanitarian relief efforts for drought victims though the ‘Kenyans for Kenya’ initiative.

“On behalf of the Kenyans for Kenya committee, I would like to thank Huawei for boosting this good cause through their generous contribution of Ksh9.4 million to help feed thousands of Kenyans who are currently in dire need of food and medical attention, as a result of the effects of drought”.  Said Abbas Gullet, the Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, adding that:  “As you are aware, the Horn of Africa, Kenya included is facing the worst drought ever, since 1950 and which has been termed as the gravest food crisis in the Region. Lactating and expectant mothers, children and elderly people in many parts of our country are in dire need of emergency relief”.

Last week, 150 metric tonnes of enriched maize and bean flour was flagged off to help save the lives of Kenyans hardest hit by drought , that was the third consignment of relief food sent out by the private sector initiative, making it now 450MT sent to ASAL areas.

Speaking during the ceremony, Huawei’s CEO in Kenya Herman He said, “ Every Kenyan regardless of their tribe, income or residence, has the right to access sustainable food and should not be wondering where their next meal will come from. Our donation today shows Huawei’s commitment as a member UN’s Global Compact to fulfill our responsibility as a global corporate citizen with local presence, by enabling a higher standard of living for those in our society.”  Mr. He added, “ As Kenyans, we are united by a shared desire for things that are good for us, and our communities to stop further suffering for our sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers.”

Also present at the event was Safaricom CEO, Bob Collymore and representatives from the Chinese Embassy – Deputy Ambassador Yan XiuSheng and Economic Counsellor, Han Chunlin.

Kenyans for Kenya campaign, an initiative of The Kenya Red Cross, KCB Foundation, Safaricom Foundation, and the Media Owners plans to raise Ksh. 1 billion over a period of four weeks. The funds donated will go towards both short term solutions (emergency food relief and water trucking) and medium term solutions (rehabilitating or sinking boreholes and setting up greenhouses to improve food security).