In a groundbreaking partnership, Binance, a global leader in cryptocurrency exchange, has pledged USD 100,000 (approximately KSh 14.7 million) to support a critical initiative with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by communities in Kenya. This six-month program, running from September 2024 to February 2025, will provide emergency food relief to over 45,000 students in 40 primary schools across hard-hit counties, with a significant focus on Baringo County.
The initiative comes in response to the severe challenges that have plagued the region, including devastating floods earlier this year, ongoing drought, and conflict, which have collectively disrupted lives and access to education. By offering meals to students, Binance and KRCS hope to not only combat hunger but also boost school attendance in areas where many children have been forced to drop out.
Samantha Fuller, Head of Communications for Binance in the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to global community support: “We are committed to using our resources to make a positive impact in communities around the world. The challenges faced by families in Kenya have intensified recently, and we hope that our contribution of KSh 14.7 million will help alleviate some of the suffering. We are proud to partner with the Kenya Red Cross Society to ensure that children have access to both food and education.”
Baringo County, one of the most severely affected regions, has seen its school infrastructure and educational access severely compromised. The partnership between Binance and KRCS is designed to reverse this trend by encouraging children to return to school and supporting their overall well-being through regular access to nutritious meals.
With Binance’s funding, KRCS will implement a school meal program that will cover two primary school terms. The initiative will not only provide food but also ensure its effective distribution through a well-coordinated process that includes school verification, food procurement, and post-distribution monitoring. The food basket, consisting of rice, beans, cooking oil, salt, and super cereals (Uji Mix), aims to provide essential nutrition to the affected children, many of whom have been displaced by the ongoing crises.
“The provision of school meals is a crucial part of our strategy to help families overcome the many difficulties they face,” said Jow Otieno, Senior Relief Coordinator at KRCS. “We appreciate Binance’s generous support of KSh 14.7 million in helping us address these urgent needs, and we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to continue their education during these challenging times.”
This initiative not only addresses immediate food insecurity but also contributes to long-term community resilience. By ensuring that children remain in school and receive proper nutrition, the partnership between Binance and KRCS aims to stabilize communities, providing a foundation for recovery in the face of adversity.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the impacts of natural disasters and socio-economic challenges, the Binance-KRCS partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between global corporations and local organizations in making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
