Standard Chartered Bank has donated Ksh7 million to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to assist vulnerable households in Mathare and Embakasi. The funds are aimed at providing immediate relief to more than 200 community members who have been severely affected by recent flooding. The donation also places a strong focus on youth, particularly in offering them opportunities for economic empowerment through skills development.
The donation was officially handed over on Friday during a special event attended by key representatives from both Standard Chartered and CRS. Joyce Kibe, the Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered, reiterated the bank’s commitment to creating lasting social impact through its global initiatives, particularly the Futuremakers program. The Futuremakers initiative, launched by the bank, focuses on empowering young people by providing them with education, skills, and economic opportunities to improve their futures.
Speaking at the handover, Kibe emphasized the need for youth-focused solutions to tackle the challenges of unemployment and economic exclusion. “We are delighted to partner with CRS Kenya in supporting youth,” Kibe said. “Globally, 282 million young people are not in education, training, or employment. Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is our global youth economic empowerment initiative, supporting young people, especially women and people with disabilities, to learn, earn and grow.”
This donation forms part of the bank’s continued commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty, particularly through youth economic empowerment. Along with the financial aid, Standard Chartered has also provided financial literacy training to youth in the targeted communities, equipping them with essential skills to help them navigate economic challenges. The goal is to enable young people to better participate in the economy, whether by securing jobs or starting their own businesses.
In addition to the youth-focused initiatives, the Ksh7 million donation will support the distribution of food and non-food items to the flood-affected households. These resources are aimed at providing immediate relief to those who have lost their homes and possessions in the recent floods that have wreaked havoc in the region. This timely support comes as many in the affected areas are still grappling with the aftermath of the flooding, which has caused severe displacement and destruction.
Angela Muathe, CRS Communications Manager for Kenya and Somalia, expressed gratitude for the donation and highlighted the alignment of the partnership with the government’s Vision 2030 goals. She underscored that CRS’s work is closely linked to Kenya’s national development plans, particularly in the areas of education and youth employment.
“We are excited about this partnership with Standard Chartered as we invest in the promising futures of young people in alignment with the Government of Kenya’s education and training plan within the social pillar of Vision 2030,” Muathe said. She also mentioned that the emergency response initiative will be incorporated into CRS’s Wezesha Vijana program, which focuses on providing youth with market-driven skills to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
The Wezesha Vijana program is designed to offer practical, hands-on training in various sectors, ensuring that participants acquire the skills necessary to secure decent employment or start their own businesses. By investing in the youth of Mathare and Embakasi, both Standard Chartered and CRS hope to create sustainable pathways to economic stability and growth.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering resilience in communities affected by disaster while providing young people with the tools they need to build a brighter, more secure future. As the partnership continues to grow, it is expected to play a crucial role in driving forward Kenya’s development agenda, with a particular focus on youth empowerment.
The Ksh7 million donation by Standard Chartered not only addresses the immediate needs of flood victims but also lays the groundwork for long-term social and economic transformation in Kenya’s vulnerable communities. With continued support and collaboration, initiatives like this can help break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
