The charity organization has made donations to 200 households, as local administrators challenge local investors to rise to the occasion and help vulnerable families navigate the economic hardships
By Albert Lemomo
About 200 vulnerable families in some select informal settlement areas of Kajiado County, are set to benefit from free foodstuffs and face masks from Direct Aid Kajiado, an affiliate organization of the Africa Muslim Agency.
The organization, which is undertaking many other charity programmes in the county, among them; Manaar Children’s home situated next to Umma main campus, has identified five areas it targets to give the donations, in consultation of the local chiefs, imams, and nyumba kumi leaders.
The areas targeted are; Majengo in Kajiado town (95 households), Mabatini in Umma area (29 households), Ilbissil town (42 households), Isinya town (20 households) and 22 households in Ngatataek center.
Majengo was served on Sunday, April 26, while the other areas are expected to receive their share “in the next few days”.
The practice, according to the chairman Ibrahim Hassan, is in accordance to the tradition of Muslims faithful, of reaching out to the less fortunate, every onset of the Ramadan festivity, as a way to, “show of humility and gratitude to Allah, who provides and expects us to extend a hand.”
Mr Hassan however said that unlike the previous years, they have this year increased the volumes of their donations in light with the current economic hardships that a majority of the people is facing, since the outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic.
“This time round we have had to increase the package that we normally give, as we are alive to the times that we are living in, where the coronavirus pandemic has led many families, especially in informal settlements, to suffer,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries in the Majengo area, said the donations comes in handy, especially after their alleged numerous appeals to the local government, to come to their rescue, felt on deaf ears.
Fatuma Abdi, a laundress said: “Since the government imposed orders to restrict movement, and closures of businesses, I have not had work to do, as all my bosses are now at home, and most of them prefer doing the washing themselves leaving me without any wage and the politicians are a no show for any support… today my children are going to smile.”
On her part, the organization’s National Director Fidias Ali, who also participated in distributing the donation, said: “We are working closely with government administration officers, in distributing these commodities, to ensure that only those who deserve the help will benefit.”
She further revealed that a free medical camp is also forthcoming, as way to help the residents, not only have food to eat, but also remain healthy.
Assitant Chief Joseph Mulata lauded the NGOs “noble” initiative, and further challenged the local investors to take a leaf from the organization’s “exemplary move” of coming through for the people at their hour of need.
“As a country we are undergoing very difficult times, with most of our population suffering acute hunger, as a result of the unprecedented Covid-19 economic shocks… I therefore urge the local companies and individual business people, to rise to the occasion and help vulnerable people navigate the hard times,” said the chief.
