Red Cross on the spot as millions from World Bank meant for farms in Dadaab disappear

Abass Guled, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General in Dadaab, (courtesy)

DADAAB—Tension is high in Kulan after the local residents raised alarm over sh 100 million farm project implemented by Kenya Red Cross and funded by World Bank through IGAD branch ends in shoddy.

A resident who spoke to Kulan Post in confidence said the money was looted and others misappropriated.

“The Project estimated budget was sh 100 million…Only one dam was constructed and a tank of 30,000 litres that was to irrigate 8 farms was purchased,” the resident noted.

“What was done so far is cannot even be valued more than three million. Some farmers did not even get fertilisers and other key farm equipments. We are not amused,” the angry resident, who requested anonymity because he is afraid to be targeted, further added.

Non existent.

Dadaab locals accused Kenya Red Cross of claiming to have constructed ‘non-existent projects’ in their report and termed this as scandalous.

Kenya Red Cross report shared with Kulan Post reads that: “80 farms were irrigated with 75,000 litres tank, 2 dams and a drip irrigation constructed.”

Kulan post visited the area on a fact finding mission and only found a 30,000 litres tank, providing water to 8 farms and only one dam.

“Climate Smart Project Coordinator wanted to visit the sight but Kenya Red Cross Senior Staffs told him they cannot guarantee his security since there is insecurity in the area, ” reads part of a report shared with Kulan Post.

Residents now seek the intervention of the area leaders, World Bank and IGAD.

Last month, Kenyans on Twitter accused Red Cross of mismanaging public funds using hashtag #RedCrossTumechoka.

“It is high time we united in saying enough is enough. Looters and thieves cannot keep stealing from us in billions under govt watch then request us to donate to RedCross. No. Let them first publish detailed accounts of the 2011,” Twitter user Mutie Mule tweeted.

Efforts to reach Red Cross by Kulan Post bore no fruits as calls went unanswered.