Turkish aid agency distributes meat in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya – Anadolu Agency

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and five other NGOs distributed meat from 350 camels and cows among those who are less fortunate in the East African nation of Kenya on Aug. 21, as part of its efforts during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.

Thousands of people, including Christians, lined up at various locations across the country to receive five to eight kilograms of meat (from sacrificial animals) donated on the first of the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday.

“Today, we kicked the program off in Biafra Mosque in Nairobi and we will cover around 6,000 families in total but all the animals will reach 40,000 Kenya families in different districts including the Kibera slums,” said TİKA Nairobi coordinator Emre Yüksek.

“Food security is an important issue in Kenya and on this occasion, we would like to help families tackle the food security problem,” he said.

“Without the kind people of Turkey I would sleep hungry on this day but here I am with my bag full of meat. My family and I will eat this meat for a few days. I am forever grateful to the people of Turkey, may Allah protect them and bless them,” Mustafa Adan, 48, told Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency after receiving his bag full of steak.

“I thought they would chase me away because I am not Muslim, but they told me that they celebrate Eid with their neighbors and we are their neighbors. I am thankful to Turkey,” said Mary Ann Mueni, a Christian who also received a bag.

The Eid al-Adha meat distribution will end today.

NGOs that were partners in TİKA’s operation are the Hayrat Foundation, the Cansuyu Charity, HEKVA, Konya rida, Doctors World Wide Turkey and the Red Crescent.