NAIROBI, Droves of participants came out to stretch their legs, in support of the Annual Freedom from Hunger Walk. Among them were ten staff of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. The Fund was a sponsor in this year’s event. The theme of this year’s walk was “appropriate as our livelihoods heavily depend on how we manage our natural resources."

While flagging off the walk Agriculture Permanent Secretary Romano Kiome said that with a third of Kenya's population still undernourished and over 2.7 million people needing food assistance, food insecurity in Kenya poses real social challenges.

"We are faced with frequent droughts and erratic rainfall patterns posing threat to our fragile food systems. The country cannot continue to rely on rain-fed agriculture.  We are exploring ways of harnessing our limited water resources to exploit our irrigation potential," he added.

Mr. Michael G. Ojiambo, General Secretary of Kenya Freedom from Hunger Council said the main objective for this year's walk is to provide water to vulnerable farmers in dry areas.

With a projected number of 10,000 participants and 20 corporate sponsors who turned, KFFHC hoped to exceed its target for this year's walk; however some participants seemed concerned about the trend of turnout. Cliff Mwavali, one of the first to complete the walk, has been participating since 1995 and said over the last few years he has noticed a gradual decline in numbers.

The walk brought together people from different communities giving them opportunity to socialize and share real life experiences affecting them. It was also a great opportunity which created awareness of need to contribute towards the needy.

The walk also provided a chance to well-wishers, to contribute and donate to the less fortunate, members of the society as a clear indication of their commitment as citizens.

YEDF staff were delighted to contribute to the less fortunate.