A generous outpouring of support has come from the United Nations, various international partners and local agencies in the wake of a devastating fire that rocked Embakasi leaving hundreds homeless.
In a statement on Saturday, February 3, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed gratitude for the response to the crisis, noting the distribution of essential food and non-food items to meet the needs of the affected.
He said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stepped in with a substantial donation, providing 1,000 blankets, 1,000 sleeping mats, 1,200 plastic tarpaulins, and 600 kitchen sets to aid the government’s immediate relief efforts.
“We received a heartening outpour of support from the United Nations and other partners. A generous donation of 1,000 blankets, 1,000 sleeping mats, 1,200 plastic tarpaulins, and 600 kitchen sets from UNHCR is aiding our efforts in providing immediate relief to the victims of the Embakasi fire,” Mwaura revealed.
The Spokesperson also announced that the government chipped in to help with 680 bags of rice, 1,000 bags of beans and 50 cartons of corned beef.
“To ensure warmth and comfort, 600 blankets, 3,000 plates and spoons, 50 cartons of bar soaps, 20 bales of sanitary towels, and 600 portable stoves have also been provided for further distribution to affected families,” he added.
He said the Nairobi County Government is actively supporting victims by offering hot meals, blankets, water, and covering medical bills.
Additional assistance is coming from the Kenya Red Cross and UNFPA, who are supplying sanitary and bedding items.
Mwaura said the Ministry of Health has also distributed trauma kits to hospitals where the victims are admitted.
“The Nairobi County Government is hosting victims, offering hot meals, blankets, water, and covering medical bills. The Kenya Red Cross and UNFPA are supplying additional sanitary and bedding items, while the Ministry of Health has distributed trauma kits to hospitals, increasing medical personnel for better care,” Mwaura noted.
Adding;
“The Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investments is focusing on the economic recovery for the 72 affected business units, including kibandas for mama mbogas and other Hustler businesses.”
The World Health Organization contributed to the medical response by providing 500 emergency kits for burns and fractures.
Babu Owino, Raila donate 2M to fire victims
Earlier Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga and Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino jointly contributed Ksh2 million to assist victims of the Embakasi gas explosion.
In a statement on Saturday, February 3, Babu announced the benevolent gesture revealing that Raila had sent him Ksh1 million to aid the fire victims.
In addition to this generous donation, Babu Owino said he contributed an extra Ksh1 million bringing the total contribution to Ksh2 million.
