Student led campaign raises $15,323.33 in support of ongoing drought crisis

United States International University, (USIU-Africa) has once again proven it does not only strive for academic excellence but also committed to produce compassionate and patriotic members of the society.

USIU-Africa campaign dubbed ‘#IamCompassionate that kicked off on the 16th of March 2017 has raised a total of $15,323.33 (Kshs 1,532,333) in cash and in-kind food donations.

The campaign which was led by students had 12 class contributions, 485 individual donors and 2 corporate institutions namely Jumia Group and SKF Kenya, after the call to action by Kenya Red-Cross Society club earlier on this year.

“As USIU-Africa, our corporate culture is founded on changing lives not only through education but also in making a difference in society. We are committed to touching lives and this campaign is a true reflection of a community coming together to mobilize our resources and sacrifice a little comfort to raise the much-needed support for our brothers and sisters in need” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor Ambassador Ruthie Rono in her speech.

Since last year Kenya has struggled to provide adequate food to its population due to severe drought which has ravaged most parts of the country.

Early this year, the government declared drought a national disaster and rolled out a $2.15million programme to support hard hit counties, as a result the economy is expected to also performed dismally this year.

Also read: ARE YOU A GUNNERS FAN? THEN JOIN YOUR TEAM IN SAVING MILLIONS OF CHILDREN FACING STARVATION IN E AFRICA

According to the United Nations, more than 880,000 children in East Africa are severely malnourished and desperately need immediate life-saving food.

“The funds raised will be distributed to the worst affected families and communities through a Cash Transfer Program (CTP) that empowers them financially to meet their immediate food, non-food and income needs, " said Kenya Red Cross Society Acting Secretary General ,Mr. Ayaz Manji.