UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and DIB Bank Kenya appeal to individuals and businesses in Kenya to extend a helping hand to refugees and host communities in Dadaab before the end of the holy month and Eid Al-Fitr. All funds raised via UNHCR’s Ramadan campaign will be utilized to improve shelter conditions and access to water for the most vulnerable families in Dadaab.
This urgent appeal comes after a successful iftar fundraiser was co-hosted by both organizations, raising KSH 11 million, equivalent to 55% of the campaign’s target. UNHCR takes this opportunity to thank its supporters, and DIB Bank Kenya to thank its customers, for the support provided thus far, and calls upon them and upon the wider public to help meet the campaign’s target.
“Ramadan is a special month for many. Every year, we have been witnessing the outpouring of solidarity and generosity from a wide range of supporters in Kenya and across Africa. This year is no different. We thank those who have already supported and kindly call upon businesses and individuals to provide a much-needed lifeline to people forced to flee, and the communities hosting them. Zakat contributions provide shelter kits, while Sadaqah donations maintain access to fresh, clean water.” said Nancy Aburi, Chief of UNHCR Private Sector Partnerships Africa.
UNHCR’s 2024 Ramadan campaign seeks to provide relief and assistance for families forced to flee conflict and climate shocks from Somalia, in addition to the generous communities that have opened their hearts to them. Through the campaign, Sadaqah donations will be used to ensure access to clean water (and latrines, while Zakat contributions will be dedicated, in full, to distributing shelter kits, including roofing sheets, timber for walling, and tarpaulin.
“We are very pleased with our partnership with UNHCR for the iftar fundraiser which facilitated raising more than half the campaign’s target. DIB Bank Kenya remains committed to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, in the service of those most in need within Kenya. We thank our customers for engaging with this worthy cause, and we call upon them to kindly support UNHCR’s Ramadan campaign,” said Mary Kanuku, DIB Bank Kenya’s Head of Treasury & representing the CEO’s Office, referring to the joint iftar event held earlier in Ramadan.
One of the most notable iftar event attendees and ongoing supporters of UNHCR’s Ramadan campaign in Kenya is the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA), which was represented by a delegation headed by Secretary General Mr. Omar Hussain:
“We at EBDA are humbled to support our refugee brothers and sisters from Somalia through UNHCR. We remain committed to this noble cause and invite our members to consider supporting it as well. The last ten days of Ramadan are considered the most sacred for those observing the fast. This period is marked by increased righteous deeds, supplication, worship, and charity,” he said.
Every Ramadan, UNHCR launches a global campaign to raise awareness and contributions in support of various displaced populations around the world.
The campaign allows supporters to contribute Zakat and Sadaqah for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), via the Refugee Zakat Fund, UNHCR’s trusted, compliant and effective mechanism harnessing the power of Zakat and Sadaqah to assist eligible, most vulnerable displaced persons. In Kenya, the campaign aims to mobilize support for UNHCR’s shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmes in Dadaab.
