Geothermal company donates food to 600 families in Rongai

GDC Managing Director Johnson Ole Nchoe (centre) distributes food to the residents Ol Rongai in Nakuru County on April 3, 2017. PHOTO |JOSEPH OPENDA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The company donated the food through its CSR programme dubbed “Jirani Wa Karibu”.
  • Rongai MP Raymond Moi said the area has been adversely hit by the drought.
  • Mr Moi also called on the company to give the locals the first priority in employment.

Over 600 families from drought-stricken areas of Rongai in Nakuru County on Monday had a reason to smile after receiving food donations from the Geothermal Development Company (GDC).

The company, through its corporate social responsibility programme dubbed “Jirani Wa Karibu”, donated 160 bags of maize, 30 bags of beans and 600 litres of cooking oil to the hunger-stricken families of Olrongai.

GDC’s Managing Director Johnson ole Nchoe said the company is committed to ensuring that there is a good working relationship between them and the community neighbouring the Menengai geothermal project.

“The programme is an initiative by the GDC staff to help the community neighbouring the Menengai project, who are affected by the ongoing nationwide drought, with relief supplies as well as creating a harmonious relationship with them,” said Mr Nchoe.

In addition to the food assistance, the company donated Sh500,000 to Ol Rongai Secondary School for the completion of a dormitory.

Rongai MP Raymond Moi, who hosted the event, said the area has been adversely hit by the drought.

He appealed to the national government and other humanitarian groups to join in efforts to save the residents from hunger.

Mr Moi also called on the company to give the locals the first priority in employment.

“For the company to improve its relationship with the people, it must ensure their welfare is given the first priority,” said Mr Moi.

Schools have been closed in some areas including parts of Baringo County as children are unable to attend classes due to hunger.