This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On Madaraka Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta recognized the efforts of individuals and organizations who made a significant impact during the pandemic, including the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET).
ASNET, a multi-agency grouping that brings together private and government entities, was lauded by President Kenyatta for its chairman receiving the Uzalendo Award.
Mr. Bimal Kantaria, the co-chair of ASNET, led the 'Flowers of Hope' initiative, which involved mobilizing flowers from growers through the Kenya Flower Council to be distributed by Rotary International to hospitals in Kenya and abroad.
The flowers, which were being harvested and discarded, brought cheer to Covid-19 patients and frontline workers.
President Kenyatta added a message of hope on the flowers delivered, which read in part, “Whatever the adversity, no matter the foe, we shall triumph together. We stand united. Tuko pamoja. From Kenya with love.”
Mr. Kantaria, who is also the managing director of agro-inputs firm Elgon Kenya, was among the 66 Uzalendo awardees recognized by President Kenyatta.
He expressed gratitude for the award, stating, “We are grateful for the award. The agriculture industry has once again been recognised locally for spreading hope and smiles among the Covid-19 front-line workers and patients here and abroad, an indication of the importance of a sector that has given Kenya a global profile.”
