Naivasha: The Kenya Red Cross (KRSC) is one of the many International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement societies around the world. The Kenya Red Cross organization was established in 1965.
According to Kenya News Agency, Red Cross is a humanitarian organization mainly involved in disaster response, particularly road traffic accidents among others, and aims to alleviate human suffering. To this end, KRSC is able to mobilize resources to offer quality humanitarian service in a transparent and accountable manner.
Red Cross and Red Crescent’s sole purpose is to help those who suffer, without discrimination, whether during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or due to conditions of chronic poverty. The Kenya Red Cross supports and runs a number of projects while promoting responsiveness to the Kenyan public about contemporary issues and problems which may affect them, including famine, blood services, first aid projects, disaster and emergency services, and education services.
A council, consisting of the Secretary General and twelve voting members, is responsible for the day-to-day running of this humanitarian organization. All other responsibilities are held by the Board which consists of 16 persons.
To supplement its humanitarian efforts, Kenya Red Cross launched the KRCS App, offering users real-time emergency alerts, life-saving tips, and easy access to membership and volunteer opportunities. Youth groups and volunteer groups are made available where members can connect and share ideas.
The Kenya Red Cross is constantly looking for individuals who share the same values and beliefs to volunteer their services on humanitarian grounds. Volunteers are expected to support the humanitarian work of the organization and contribute towards improving the lives of those in need.
In Naivasha, volunteers are vital not only for accident response but also for awareness campaigns in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. One young man changing lives in Naivasha is 29-year-old Stephen Maina, Head of Red Cross Naivasha branch, who joined Red Cross in 2015 as a volunteer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maina was a frontrunner in creating awareness in Gilgil, Mai Mahiu, and Naivasha, and he is currently focusing on the Mpox outbreak within Gilgil and Naivasha Sub-counties. Maina and his team frequently respond to accidents along Naivasha Highway, including critical areas like Karai Delamere and Morendat junctions.
Some major incidents they have responded to include last year’s flash floods in Mai Mahiu and a Pwani university-related accident at the Kayole area. Maina mentions the challenges they face, including community hostility, traffic delays, and lack of cooperation from road users.
To address these challenges, KRCS in Naivasha has partnered with organizations such as the Naivasha Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cluster and Lifebloom NGO to support communities. They have upcoming activities like the ‘Show Love, Save a Life’ blood drive and disaster management training.
Volunteer numbers have soared in Naivasha, and the branch has received recognition from YMCA and the Galaxy Awards for their work. Maina now aims to establish a Youth Resource Center in Naivasha to equip young people with various skills and support, calling on donors to support this initiative.