Kenya Red Cross

#EidMubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Understanding the Red Cross Movement: Why Dissemination Matters Not everyone fully understands what the Red Cross Movement stands for, and that lack of awareness can hinder humanitarian access, put volunteers at risk, and limit our impact in communities. To address this, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) organized a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Dissemination for 47 volunteers from across the regions. The sessions were engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking, tackling real-world concerns and empowering volunteers with the knowledge to represent the Movement effectively. By strengthening their dissemination skills, we ensure that humanitarian principles reach every corner of society; enhancing safety, access and dignity in our operations.

This week, the Kenya Red Cross hosted a Country Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting at the Boma Hotel, with the Global Fund Country Team in attendance. The main objective of the meeting was to assess the progress made by the TWGs under the Global Fund's Grant Cycle 7 (GC7). The GC7 programme, launched in July 2024, focuses on HIV, TB and malaria, with a strong emphasis on strengthening health systems, improving service delivery and ensuring sustainable interventions. The programme also prioritizes community engagement, reducing barriers related to human rights and gender equality.

With support from the Embassy of Finland in Nairobi, we are working to end gender-based violence and harmful practices in Bungoma, Kilifi and Samburu counties. Through awareness creation, prevention interventions and community-led action, we are addressing systemic barriers that leave women and children vulnerable. By working with community watch groups—including religious leaders, male champions and reformed and former FGM practitioners—we are driving grassroots change to challenge harmful practices. This initiative also promotes livelihood support, links survivors to legal aid services and includes working with organisations of persons with disabilities—ensuring no one is left behind.

Access to justice is a fundamental right, yet many face barriers in seeking redress. Through the Global Fund programme, the Kenya Red Cross, in partnership with the Paralegal Society of Kenya, is equipping community paralegals to document human rights abuses and support strategic litigation—ensuring justice for key and vulnerable populations and communities living with HIV and TB.

The Government of Kenya, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC and Kenya Red Cross have today launched the 10-year Food and Nutrition Resilience Programme in Kenya—targeting 5 million people in 24 counties as a major step in tackling hunger and malnutrition. Kenya is among four countries in the Horn of Africa benefiting from this long-term initiative led by the AU and IFRC. We strive for a future where every household has reliable access to nutritious food and no one goes hungry. #ZeroHunger

Yesterday, four Norwegian Members of Parliament visited Machakos County to witness firsthand the impact of Global Fund support in Kenya. As the principal recipient of the HIV grant, Kenya Red Cross ensures these resources reach those who need them most. At the Youth One Stop Center run by Deaf Empowerment Kenya, young people are gaining access to life-saving HIV prevention information, essential care and the support they need to thrive.

We were honoured to take part in these discussions, sharing our experiences in leveraging AI for humanitarian response. At Kenya Red Cross, we have embraced AI-driven solutions such as the Mental Health ChatCare platform to enhance psychosocial support and are set to launch our Crisis Communication platform to further strengthen emergency response.

We have kicked off our 60th anniversary celebrations in Garissa. This year marks six decades of humanitarian service and impact. As part of the celebrations, we conducted a first aid simulation with a focus on road safety for community members and will train 60 more in first aid—a life-saving skill we have championed for the last 60 years. This is just the beginning! More activities are planned for in the coming days and months ahead, across all regions in Kenya. #RedCrossat60

The Kenya Red Cross has handed over two basketball courts and a multi-purpose volleyball and netball court to Moi Girls School, Nairobi—creating a space for young women to develop their skills, build confidence and thrive. So far, two courts have been set up in Nairobi, with more planned across Kenya as part of our commitment to empowering youth through sports and strengthening community resilience.