Nation staff to raise Sh60m for hunger projects

The campaign by the Nation Media Group (NMG) to raise at least Sh60 million to support hunger alleviation projects across the country kicked-off Saturday when the group’s employees started climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.

The 42 climbers drawn across departments embarked on the seven day expedition by tackling the first stretch from Machame Gate to Machame Hut where they will be spending their first night.

On Sunday, the team will hike to Shira Camp—a 9km stretch.

From Shira, the team will climb the Shira ridge to Lava Towers at the base of Arrow Glacier.

On the same day, the team will drop down 1500 feet to Baranco Camp to spend Monday night.

This is to allow them acclimatise by climbing high and sleeping low.

On Tuesday, the climbers will go up Baranco cliffs, down and up several valleys and spend the night at Karanga Camp.

On Wednesday, the team will get to Barafu Camp at the base of the Kibo Peak, the tallest peak in Africa.

Thursday will be the biggest and longest of days for the climbers as they will do a night climb to Uhuru Point, Africa’s rooftop. The team will descend for two days.

Mr David Maingi, the NMG Head of Corporate Affairs said the target is to raise funds to finance long term food security interventions.

“NMG staff wanted to go beyond giving money and undertake personal initiatives to show their commitment to community,” he said.

Currently over four million Kenyans are facing starvation due to food shortages as drought continues to ravage different parts of the country.

High food prices have only worsened the situation, which has also hit the horn of Africa becoming the worst drought in 60 years to be experienced in the region.

While the government has put in place several initiatives to stem the famine, corporate are increasing taking up similar supplementary projects.

Over the last two months, an initiative dubbed Kenyans for Kenya has raised close to Sh1 billion to help in food purchases in drought stricken areas.

The initiative was led by Kenya Red Cross and supported by the Media Owners Association and several corporate organizations.

East African managing editor, Mr Nick Wachira who is part of the climbers said the initiative will provide long term solutions to food security in the country.

“What we need are sustainable and practical initiatives and not short-term stop gap measures.” Mr Wachira said.

The NMG employees will have to endure difficult terrain and wet weather conditions during the expedition, which is being facilitated by Tanari Trust, an adventure programming firm.

“It requires good preparations, physical and mental wellness, good information and patience to climb such a big mountain, ” said Muhia Karianjahi, Tanari’s trustee.

“You have to go slowly, consistently and respectfully as the mountain will always win if you try compete against it or conquer it” he said.

Tanari has been conducting preparations with the NMG team for three months, which has included morning jogs at Karura Forest, recess on Mt Kilimambogo, Ngong Hills, Mt Longonot and a two day excursion in Mt Kenya.