Call to support the forgotten people of Western

There is need to extend social economic programmes to Muslims in Western Kenya as they have seldom benefited from such activities undertaken by Muslim organisations.

The vice chairperson of Women in Development Jamilla Kiragu said poverty levels and the deficiency in Islamic knowledge among residents was on the rise and there is need to develop programmes to improve on their welfare.

Speaking after the organisation made a donation of food items and clothing to the residents of Kimilili, she called on Muslim organisations to work on empowering the people of the region.

"Many organisations focus on Nairobi, Coast and North Eastern areas of the country and forget that they are people who also need assistance in other parts of the country," she said. "It is a sad state of affairs among the residents.

Poverty levels are on the increase and something needs to be done to address their situation," she said. The five-tonne donation was distributed over the weekend at the Kimilili Jamia mosque and saw more than 200 people benefiting from the exercise.

She spoke after the women group made a donation of various food items and clothing to the people of Kimilili. The items were collected through donations from various mosques and individuals in Nairobi. "Due to the sad situation we found in the area, another caravan will be heading to the region just before the end of Ramadhan to extend a hand of assistance to our brothers and sisters," she said.

Those wishing to participate in the programme should contact 0734963635 or 0724818197.

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