Kenya Red Cross Enhances Volunteer Recruitment to Address Garissa’s Disaster Challenges

The Kenya Red Cross has launched a volunteer recruitment initiative in Garissa County to enhance disaster response capabilities amid flooding and drought. Volunteers will be trained in critical areas such as first aid and disaster preparedness, with support from local officials. The initiative aims to promote community engagement and improve coordination during emergencies, while also responding to immediate needs through food distribution to affected households.

The Kenya Red Cross is significantly increasing its recruitment of grassroots volunteers in Garissa County to improve disaster response efforts, particularly in light of recent flooding and drought conditions. During an Iftar session, Hassan Musa, the Northeastern Regional Coordinator, emphasized that the shortage of volunteers in Garissa town is hindering emergency interventions in the region.

The recruitment initiative will target sub-county levels to ensure swift assistance during humanitarian crises, including floods expected due to heavy rains elsewhere in the country. Volunteers will receive training in essential skills such as first aid, disaster preparedness, assessment reporting, and public information dissemination.

Mohamed Mohamud, an Assistant County Commissioner, highlighted the need for training chiefs in disaster response to enhance coordination with volunteers. He encouraged youth to engage in volunteer recruitment, noting the benefits of skill acquisition and future job opportunities in humanitarian sectors.

In response to drought conditions, Garissa Branch Coordinator Daud Ahmed announced the distribution of relief food to 640 households affected by the severe dry spell, with forecasts indicating continued low rainfall. Abdirahman Maalim Abdullahi from the ICRC revealed plans for humanitarian support along the Kenya-Somalia border, indicating a commitment to assist neglected areas due to insecurity.

Ebla Hassan, Secretary General of the Garissa Farmers’ Network, shared a poignant account reflecting the contributions of Kenya Red Cross volunteers during recent floods, recounting the rescue of a mother and her children stranded on their farm. Additionally, Hassan Sheikh Abdi, representing religious leaders, acknowledged the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts during various crises.

Challenges to the Garissa County government were presented by Holugho Ward MCA Adow Omar, who urged the local administration to adopt a proactive approach like the Kenya Red Cross in providing tangible support to suffering residents. Other officials voiced their appreciation for the organization’s responsiveness during disasters and highlighted the need for better resource management by local governments.

The Kenya Red Cross’s initiative to recruit volunteers at the sub-county level in Garissa is a proactive measure aimed at improving disaster response capabilities amidst ongoing challenges from floods and drought. By equipping volunteers with essential skills and fostering community engagement, the organization enhances its capacity to deliver timely assistance. The call for coordinated training with local government officials underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises effectively. Ultimately, the commitment of the Kenya Red Cross and its volunteers play a crucial role in alleviating the suffering of those affected by disasters in the region.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke