President William Ruto was on Tuesday installed as Patron of Kenya Red Cross Society at a ceremony held at State House Nairobi.
The President became the fifth Patron of the Kenya Red Cross, in line with its tradition of having the head of state as a patron.
In his acceptance speech, Ruto acknowledged the vital role that Red Cross has played in Kenya since its founding in 1965.
“The Kenya Red Cross has stood with Kenyans during some of the darkest times in our country. I want to sincerely appreciate the 240,000 members, staff and volunteers countrywide for the work they continue to do,” Ruto said.
During the ceremony, President Ruto also expressed his commitment to work with the Society in addressing various humanitarian challenges and identified climate restoration as well as the ongoing drought as immediate areas of collaboration.
With respect to the drought, His Excellency the President asked Kenya Red Cross to collaborate with government agencies to urgently ensure that the communities in need of relief are reached.
The installation ceremony was presided over by Kenya Red Cross Governor Geoffrey Korir and Secretary-General Dr Asha Mohammed. It was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.