Pwani Oil has partnered with the Kenya Red Cross Society to deliver essential household supplies and social support programming to orphanages across Mombasa County ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The community-focused initiative aims at strengthening vulnerable households during a period of heightened social and economic pressure.
The drive, led by the Youth Department of the Kenya Red Cross, will support 10 orphanages through the distribution of critical hygiene and nutrition-related products by Pwani Oil, including Salit cooking oil, Sawa Biscuit Bathing Soap, and Ushindi Multi-Purpose Soap Cream. The programme combines product donations with educational and psychosocial support activities designed to improve wellbeing and resilience among children and caregivers.
The handover ceremony, which took Place at Pwani Oil offices in Mombasa, marks the beginning of a series of visits to participating institutions, where volunteers will deliver supplies alongside mental health awareness sessions, first aid sensitization and interactive activities for children.
“Ramadhan is a time of compassion and solidarity. Our partnership with the Kenya Red Cross aims to ensure that vulnerable children and caregivers have access to essential products and support systems that strengthen dignity and wellbeing,” said Rajul Malde, the Commercial Director at Pwani Oil.
The initiative comes at a time when many Kenyan households continue to face rising living costs and economic uncertainty, with nearly one in five Kenyans sleeping hungry[i]. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics also shows that food prices remain a major contributor to inflation pressures[ii], disproportionately affecting low-income families and charitable institutions that rely heavily on donations. Coastal counties, including Mombasa, face additional socio-economic challenges, with recent local labour assessments indicating that youth unemployment stands at approximately 44 percent[iii]. Such dynamics highlight the importance of youth-led volunteerism and community engagement initiatives as critical pathways for strengthening social support systems.
Kenya Red Cross representatives highlighted that the programme extends beyond material support, incorporating psychosocial care and practical skills aimed at long-term resilience.
“This partnership demonstrates how private sector collaboration can deliver holistic community impact,” said Johnson Gachanja, the Chairman at the Kenya Red Cross Society. “We will be working through youth-led engagement to support our beneficiaries with knowledge on mental health and wellbeing, areas that are increasingly critical for young people.”
Ramadhan, observed by Kenya’s significant Muslim population, estimated at approximately 11 percent of the national population[iv] and with a strong concentration along the Coast, traditionally inspires increased charitable giving and community solidarity initiatives.
The orphanage visits will continue throughout the Ramadan period, bringing together corporate partners, volunteers and local stakeholders to support children through practical assistance and community engagement activities.
