BARCLAYS Bank yesterday contributed Sh45 million to the famine kitty.

The bank said, however, part of the money will be channeled to long-term projects launched by the Kenya Red Cross to ensure sustainable food security. Bank chairman Francis Okomo-Okello said the biting drought was caused by the climate change reality. The sustainable initiative by Barclay Bank is known as Epuka Njaa Milele. "As a bank we are looking forward to giving long term solution for challenges posed by climate change. They are predictable and that is why our contribution will go to irrigation agricultural projects in the affected areas," Okomo-Okello said.

Out of the Sh45 million presented yesterday, Sh34 million will be utilised in the ongoing famine effects and also sustainable projects managed by Red Cross, Kenya. Affected neighbouring countries will get Sh11 million. Barclays Bank CEO Adan Mohammed said the bank's staff had contributed Sh5 million by skipping their lunch, shining shoes and selling merchandise items to the public. Media representatives at the event were Media Max CEO Paul Wanyagah and Radio Africa CEO Patrick Quarcoo.