President Ruto installed as Kenya Red Cross patron

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has installed President William Ruto as the organisation’s patron.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Kenya Red Cross said that President Ruto would act as the fifth patron since the formation of the non-governmental organ in 1965.

“This morning Kenya Red Cross Society was honoured to install H.E President @WilliamsRuto as its Patron at a ceremony held at State House Nairobi. H.E William Ruto becomes the 5th Patron of Kenya Red Cross, in line with its tradition of having the head of state as a patron,” read a statement by KRCS.

The KRCS governor Geoffrey Kipngetich and Secretary General Asha Mohamed presided over the ceremony where drought mitigation ways were discussed to address the ongoing crisis in many parts of the country.

The president on his part welcomed the installation saying that the country through the organization would partner with other bodies and organizations in ensuring Kenyans in drought-hit areas receive the required aid.

“Honoured to join the Kenya Red Cross Society as a patron, State House, Nairobi,” stated President Ruto.

“The @KenyaRedCross Society must build strong, expanded and productive collaboration that will encompass response to climate change in its operations. That way, it will help mitigate the adverse effects of a changing environment and build resilience in our communities.”

The President said he was confident that the interventions being undertaken together with development partners and the private sector will save the lives of Kenyans in areas worst affected by the drought.

He urged the Kenya Red Cross Society to continue playing an integral role in the efforts to mitigate the drought which has affected 20 of the 23 counties categorized as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL).

At the same time, the commander-in-chief reassured that his government would avail an extra Ksh.2 billion in addition to Ksh.3.2 billion given earlier, to tackle famine in the country.

“I am mindful and highly appreciative of the important role played by the Kenya Red Cross, Regionally and Internationally. We are proud of the enhanced peer-to-peer support you offer other National Societies in various thematic areas,” said President Ruto.