Recommendations For Service Initiatives In Response to COVID-19
To All Rotary Clubs in Kenya;
From the moment WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, Rotarians in District 9212 came forward with alacrity to meet the challenges that would foreshadow a calamity. By joining hands with all other Rotarians across the district you have offered your resources and time in support of the government’s emergency response; you have spread the message of hope to our communities by showing that your compassion has no bounds; and you have gained society’s respect as leaders by demonstrating that individual action and personal responsibility are the biggest factors required to stave off the negative impact of the Coronavirus.
Last week the Cabinet Secretary of Internal Security issued a directive stating that all private distribution of donated materials to the public must be approved by the Kenya COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. We sought clarification directly from the chair, Ms. Jane Karuku who informed us that the directive was to ensure that there is a coordinated and well-structured approach to the distribution of donated items; to provide a focal point that confirms that distribution does not benefit only one part of the community at the expense of other vulnerable communities; and to make certain that well-wishers implement their kind deeds in an orderly manner, avoiding any potential unrest.
Therefore, Rotary District 9212 declared to the Kenya COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund that we shall adhere to the guidelines by observing the following: –
- We recommend that all Rotary clubs in Kenya channel their interventions for the COVID-19 health crisis through the Rotary District Disaster Response Team set up by District 9212 to co-ordinate our collective efforts. The amounts the clubs donate will benefit the vulnerable communities of their choice, wherever possible. As a generous donor has offered a 100% match for the funds raised by this team, the money will be used to address the needs of the most vulnerable people in the country, even where there may not be a Rotary presence.
- However, if individual clubs want to do carry out interventions on their own to benefit their communities, they need to notify the Rotary District Disaster Response Team in writing with the following information: –
a. The details of what they are donating
b. To whom they are donating these items
c. Location and timing of the distribution
d. Ensure that any food items have the appropriate expiration dates
e. When donating PPEs, please check with the Ministry of Health to ensure conformity with their guidelines
It is critical that the activities of individual Rotary clubs are made known to the Rotary District Disaster Response Team to ensure that it is in line with the community needs and to avoid duplication of effort in certain areas.
- A copy of this information is to be sent to the Kenya COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and the County Commissioner for relevant advice and the provision of security where necessary and if requested for.
- All clubs are encouraged to appoint a representative to the Rotary District Disaster Response Team. You may share information about your representative and any donations for the Rotary District Disaster Response Team with Sidy Nduta at the Rotary Kenya Country Office, on 0712768279 or email rotarykenyacountryoffice@gmail.com
I urge you all to direct your fullest support to this hard-working team that is made up of some of the districts most diligent members who have proven track records in service and in generating positive and long-term outcomes in underprivileged communities. Your actions, collectively, guarantees Rotary’s impact and sustains our positive reputation.
Yours sincerely,
Joe Otin
District Governor 2019-20
Rotary International
District 9212
