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 Hillary Mageka @hillarymageka

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday directed the National Treasury to set up an emergency fund for the coronavirus pandemic.

At the same time, he appointed the chairperson and members of the yet to be formed to be fund.

Kenya Breweries Ltd  managing director Jane  Karuku was appointed chairperson of the fund.

Several corporate chief executives, including Michael Joseph (Safaricom), James Mwangi (Equity Bank),  Narenda Raval (founder, Devki Group of Companies), Joshua Oigara (KCB Bank), Jeremy Awori (ABSA bank) and Wachira Waruru (Royal Media Services) will serve as members. Others are Mohammed Hersi (Pollmans Tours and  Safaris), Phyllis Wakiaga (Kenya Association of Manufacturers) and Kennedy Kihara (Principal Administrative Secretary at the Office of the President.

The President further designated Interior Cabinet Secretary  Fred Matiang’i and Council Of Governors  Wycliffe Oparanya as the joint representatives of the government in the fund.

“The government calls upon all Kenyans, corporate entities both domestic and multinational, as well as our international development partners to support the national initiative,” read a statement by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo.

She said the fund will mobilise resources for emergency response towards containing the spread, effects and impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

The fund’s seed capital will be drawn from the Exchequer, including the voluntary salary-cuts undertaken by the senior State officials as well as donations.