The Kenya Red Cross is enhancing its disaster response in Garissa County by recruiting volunteers at the grassroots level, focusing on sub-county efficiency. This initiative aims to equip local volunteers with essential skills for timely interventions during floods and droughts, as well as improve assessments and food distribution. Community leaders support these efforts, urging collaboration with local government officials for effective resource management.
In response to the increasing natural disasters in Garissa County, the Kenya Red Cross has initiated a significant grassroots volunteer recruitment drive to fortify disaster response efforts. This decision stems from the need for a more substantial volunteer presence, as highlighted by Hassan Musa, the Northeastern Regional Coordinator, during an Iftar event in Garissa. He noted that the existing volunteer numbers have hindered timely emergency interventions, particularly during floods.
The recruitment strategy focuses on sub-county levels to ensure rapid responses to humanitarian crises. Volunteers will be trained in essential skills, such as first aid and disaster preparedness, to enhance the efficacy of relief operations. This initiative aims not only to mitigate the effects of immediate crises but also to facilitate timely assessments and food distribution during such events.
Mohamed Mohamud, Assistant County Commissioner, emphasized the importance of extending training to local chiefs, thereby fostering collaboration with grassroots volunteers. He urged young individuals to seize this opportunity for skill development, which may lead to future employment within humanitarian sectors.
In addition to volunteer efforts, the Garissa Branch Coordinator, Daud Ahmed, announced the distribution of relief food to 640 households impacted by the severe drought resulting from failed October-December rains. There is an urgent need for intervention as forecasts predict subpar rainfall for the upcoming season, exacerbating the existing dry spell.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) plans to extend humanitarian assistance across the Kenya-Somalia border, targeting regions historically neglected due to security concerns. Local farmer representative, Ebla Hassan, commended the Red Cross volunteers for their prompt actions during past flood crises, recalling specific rescues that highlighted their dedication.
Community leaders, including Hassan Sheikh Abdi from SUPKEM, acknowledged the Red Cross’s proactive role in managing emergencies, contrasting it with the local government’s response capabilities. Holugho Ward MCA Adow Omar criticized county funding management, advocating for the training of government officials by the Red Cross to improve resource utilization during crises.
The Kenya Red Cross’s proactive recruitment of grassroots volunteers in Garissa illustrates a committed effort to enhance disaster response in areas increasingly affected by floods and droughts. Through training and efficient mobilization, the initiative aims to significantly improve humanitarian aid delivery and foster local resilience to future emergencies. Collaborative efforts with local leadership and the ICRC further underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach to disaster preparedness and response.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
