Global 6K for water takes off with great excitement in Kenya
Today, marked the first leg of the Global 6K run, as Acting Senior Director of Operations Dr Mesfin Loha led the group in prayer. World Vision Kenya’s Finance Director, Mercy Kanyi, on behalf of World Vision Kenya’s Interim National Director John Makoni, flagged off the team of about 120 participants, commencing the run in World Vision’s Karen compound at 3:45pm.
The excitement could not be contained, by those running and walking, to represent the vulnerable children and their mothers, who on average, walk 6 kilometres daily, in rural communities that World Vision serves. Never mind, the looming threat of dark overhanging clouds. Half an hour to the event, there was a heavy downpour, followed by bright sunshine, as the team begun with a warm-up session, to ensure fitness for the run. That was a miracle for the team.
Finance Director Mercy Kanyi noted that this run was part of a World Vision Global partnership, standing in solidarity with those in need of clean, drinking water. On light note, she encouraged the participants to walk, run or do whatever was required to make the Global 6K plan, successful.
Among those who supported the event were World Vision’s Global Centre staff, East Africa’s Regional Office staff, World Vision Somalia and Sudan offices. Also participating in the event, were Global Field Operations Director, Eleanor Manbiot, Partnership Leader Global Governance, Jemima Muturi and East Africa Regional Office Communications Director, Nancy Okwengu.
The goal of this run in Kenya was to support provision of water for children in the Kabitit Community in Wema Area Program (Solai, Nakuru County).
Among external partners, who participated and gave towards the noble cause of Global 6K were Epicentre Africa, who deal equipping and servicing borehole, who donated Kenya Shillings 20, 000 (USD200) and Grundfos Kenya, manufacturers of water pumps, who also gave Kenya Shillings 20, 000 (USD200).
Also recognized in absentia was St Christopher’s Group of Schools, who partnered in the Global 6K event, by mobilizing students to run around their school and also contribute to the cause. Mama Kimbia Team from the UK, participated virtually through the registration of five participants.
Saturday May 6, there will be a running site in Karura Forest, off Limuru Road, for those who could not come to the World Vision Karen office. This site event will kick off at 7:30am.
This run is particularly key in Kenya, as the last three years of poor rains have triggered a national disaster in country, with 2.6 million people hungry, critical rates of child malnutrition and devastating livestock deaths, evident.
World Vision Kenya’s coordinator for Global 6K in Kenya, Justus Koech said the event was successful and is eager to see the suffering children, mothers and communities receive a boost in water provision and access, in various areas that World Vision serves.
Written by Anne Mbotela