This archive report was first published on 27 April 2020.
On April 27, 2020, the Catholic Church in Kenya launched the Covid-19 Caritas Emergency Response Initiative to support Kenyans affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Archbishop Martin Kivuva, the Mombasa Metropolitan Catholic head and Chairman of Caritas Kenya, emphasized the importance of supplementing government efforts to provide relief assistance to the less fortunate.
He appealed to Kenyans who are able to assist to complement and supplement government efforts by raising funds and donating foodstuffs for the initiative, which targets the poorest of the poor and the most needy in society.
“As religious people, we are always ready to help when facilitated. I know it is not easy, but I am sure some of you have something to spare,” Archbishop Kivuva implored.
He called upon well-wishers to channel their donations through their parishes, dioceses, religious communities, Hindu temples, and Mosques, and commended dioceses that have already launched the charity drive.
Archbishop Kivuva also emphasized the need for transparency in the relief distribution exercise, noting that the country had spoken out against corruption malpractices the previous year.
“Maybe there are those who are saying it is high time to make money. No, it is high time to save lives, it is high time to share with the needy,” stressed Archbishop Kivuva.
He urged Kenyans to strictly follow the guidelines spelt out by the Ministry of Health and the government regarding social distancing, wearing of face masks, and washing of hands with soap and running water to combat the spread of coronavirus disease.
