The Covid-19 emergency fund receives donations to support vulnerable households

The Covid-19 Emergency Fund has received assorted foodstuff worth Sh100 million from the Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK) to help vulnerable households in Nairobi's informal settlements deal with effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The items were handed over to Covid-19 Emergency Fund Chairperson Jane Karuku at the Nyayo National Stadium yesterday and are expected to be distributed in a month.

The donations will provide food relief to households living in Korogocho, Mukuru, Kibera, Kawangware, Kangemi, Dandora among other informal settlements in the Nairobi Metropolitan area.

Ms Karuku said the distribution of the donations will be guided by an already existing needs assessment analysis that had mapped out areas most economically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are encouraged that despite the overwhelming impact of the pandemic, and paralysis that it has brought to bear, it has not impacted upon our humanity and natural inclination to extend a hand of generosity to our brothers and sisters,” she said.

The Fund is currently focused on providing support and augmenting national response efforts to supply of medical facilities and equipment and support for vulnerable communities with their immediate needs, including food relief.

Hindu Council of Kenya Chairman Kamal Gupta said the organisation had mobilised the food items consignment countrywide.

“Our members across the country managed to mobilise these food items which will benefit our fellow citizens," Mr Gupta said.