Nairobi — Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has urged the Kenya Red Cross Society to apply for accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), calling it a vital step toward building stronger emergency health and disaster response systems across the country.
Speaking on Saturday during World First Aid Day events held in Nairobi, Ruku emphasized that accessing GCF funding would equip the humanitarian body to better serve climate-affected communities.
“I proposed this years ago when I was in Parliament, but the response then was lukewarm,” Ruku said. “Today, as Cabinet Secretary, I’m repeating that message with urgency. This accreditation is not optional it’s necessary.”
The GCF is the world’s largest international fund dedicated to helping developing nations tackle the impacts of climate change. Ruku said the fund’s model, driven by country ownership and partnerships, offers a lifeline to vulnerable regions increasingly hit by drought, floods, and landslides.
This year’s First Aid Day carried the theme “First Aid and Climate Change,” drawing attention to the growing overlap between environmental disasters and public health emergencies.
Ruku said the government is working to align humanitarian efforts under a structured framework that avoids duplication and reduces waste. He announced a multi-agency coordination meeting will be convened by the State Department for Special Programmes, in line with Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which prioritizes national disaster preparedness and rapid response.
“We must coordinate our efforts. Pooling our resources will save lives and ensure swift action when disasters occur,” he stated.
Ruku also encouraged the Red Cross to partner with the Global Centre for Adaptation (GCA), currently under construction at the Kenya School of Government. He said the center will focus on research and innovation to help communities adapt to climate shocks.
“I urge the Red Cross to work closely with the GCA and government agencies in all 47 counties to deliver community-driven climate solutions,” Ruku said.
He called for joint training efforts between the Kenya Red Cross, National Youth Service (NYS), and the State Department for Special Programmes to enhance readiness through disaster drills and emergency simulations.
Later in the day, Ruku visited residents displaced by a fire in Mukuru Kwa Njenga. He assured them of continued government support and emphasized the need for community-level training in first aid and emergency care.
“The President has made it clear: every Kenyan must be protected and supported during crises,” he said. “We are working every day to deliver fast and effective relief.”
CS Ruku also highlighted ongoing emergency aid operations in Wajir, Garissa, Kisauni, and Murang’a, which have been severely affected by climate-related events.
“This isn’t just an environmental issue it’s a public health crisis,” CS Ruku added. “First aid saves lives. Communities must be trained and ready to respond.”
The event concluded with the National First Aid Competition, where Kenya Red Cross teams demonstrated lifesaving skills including CPR, trauma care, and bleeding control showcasing the critical role of preparedness in emergency response.
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