The County Government of Nyeri has launched the Nyeri COVID-19 Fund which is aimed at benefiting the destitute and vulnerable families in the county who have been affected by the pandemic.

H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga has reiterated that a multi-sectoral committee has already been formed which draws stakeholders from the county government, national government through the office of the county commissioner, Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Red Cross, Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), Nyeri Business Owners Association and the Nyeri Asian Community which will aid in raising funds for mitigation of the effects of COVID-19.

Governor Kahiga called upon people of goodwill to join in and channel their donations through the Paybill: 400222 Account name: 562706# YOUR NAME or through Cooperative Bank Account number: 01141991686400. For purposes of accountability, this account has different signatories drawn from the partners mentioned above.

While at it, he appreciated the efforts of Mt. Kenya Academy who have so far donated Ksh. 200,000, Cooperative Bank who have donated Ksh. 300,000, KESSHA who donated 22 reusable PPEs worth Ksh. 100,000 and philanthropic businessman Bipin Shah (Kasturi) who together with the Asian Community has been providing foodstuffs twice a week for 125 needy families.

Governor Kahiga also revealed that 30% of his salary, 10% of CECs, and 5% of other senior employees’ salaries will be channeled to the COVID-19 kitty.

KNCCI, Nyeri chapter Chair Ibrahim Ndegwa called upon all to join synergies to fight the pandemic and urged leaders not to politicize the efforts being put up to curb the disease.

Over 200,000 residents in Nyeri County are at risk of starvation during this time of coronavirus. The funds will go a long way in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19.

Also present during the launch were County Secretary Ben Gachichio, Chief of staff Paul Wambugu, Youth, Gender and Social Services CEC Esther Ndung’u,  Health CEC Dr. Rachel Kamau,Water CEC Fredrick Kinyua, Agriculture CEC James Wachihi and Trade CEC Diana Kendi.

Also present were KESSHA Nyeri chapter chairman Cyrus Wachira with a team from KESSHA, Red Cross Nyeri county coordinator Peris Wanjiku, Nyeri Business Owners Association Secretary General Daniel Macharia, Nyeri Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi, KNCCI Nyeri Chapter CEO Martin Ndirangu, Gikondi MCA Hon. Mary Wamuyu among other team members representing the aforementioned entities.