The 3-month project “Emergency Response and Early Recovery Assistance for Flood-affected Population in Kenya” implemented by the Camillian Delegation of Kenya through CADIS Kenya, with the supervision of CADIS International and in collaboration with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation (BTCCF), is accomplished with major gains and learnings.
The overall goal of this project, started in July 2024, is to alleviate suffering, protect health, and restore dignity for flood-affected populations in Nairobi and Baringo counties. It has four essential component services and assistance, namely, [1] food and non-food relief distribution, [2] permanent shelter support, [3] medical and psychosocial support, and [4] early recovery and resilience-building support (livelihood).
Nairobi
1. Mathare Slums
In September, 200 households (818 individuals) received the last cash transfer and 150 families (697 individuals) also received school uniforms and stationaries. CADIS team has classified all school-going children according to age and the school they are attending. Every family received two sets of school uniforms with two pairs of socks, and school supplies consisted of 12 to 14 textbooks, geometrical set, eraser, pen and pencil.
2. Mukuru Slums
In September 2024, the medical camp program continued. The total number of patients who received the treatment was 105 and the total number of services delivered was 336. Of the 105 patients, 77 of them came back for follow-up treatment since August medical camp and 28 of them were new patients in September. Moreover, 65 laboratory tests were conducted and 131 patients received medicines. The age of the beneficiaries of total healthcare services included children from 0-17 years old, adults and elderly.
Baringo County
1. Eldume
In September, 21 new houses were constructed and awarded to 21 families; 200 families (1182 individuals) received the food security program containing farm inputs (seeds, organic fertilizers) and agri-technology training. Food security programs were also received such as cash transfers to 100 farmer beneficiaries. 200 families with school children received 2 sets of school uniforms with a pair of socks and supplies such as 12 to 14 textbooks, geometrical set, eraser, pen and pencil.
2. Ng’ambo
In September, a total of 10 new houses were constructed and awarded to 10 families (49 children and adult members). 100 families (642 individuals including school children) received two sets of school uniforms with pairs of socks and supplies such as 12 to 14 textbooks, geometrical set, eraser, pen and pencil.
3. Salabani
In September, 19 new houses were constructed and awarded to 19 families (124 individual children and adults) in Salabani. 100 families (555 individuals) received the food security package composed of farm inputs, corn seeds and agri-technology training. 150 families (895 children and adults) received 300 sets of school uniforms with pairs of socks and supplies such as 12 to 14 textbooks, geometrical set, eraser, pen and pencil.
All the new houses were constructed on the higher-level ground where the risks of flooding are almost none or minimal. The shelter program in Baringo has been accomplished and all the houses were turned over to the beneficiaries.
The implementation of this project and activities of September was not without challenges, but also had great learnings for future implementation of the projects. One of the challenges we faced was parting with the beneficiaries, especially the people of Mathare and Mukuru. They constantly asked for an extension of the project which we explained to them that it was an emergency and recovery stage. They felt connected with the CADIS team and expressed willingness to be supported.
Another challenge was faced during the transportation of the construction materials in some areas of Baringo county due to impassibility and poor infrastructure. However, the team managed to implement and accomplish all the construction activities on time.
The project also came with a lot of learnings: community participation proved to be a treasure for our project implementation. In those activities, affected communities were fully involved in all stages including identification of the neediest persons. The partnership with local authorities like the chiefs and other organizations like Red Cross Kenya made the process of implementation even smoother. Finally, our team work and focus on “being with the affected” was another lesson tested and proved. Our presence in the lives of those victims was itself a transformation for them, they felt encouraged and loved.
The team had the opportunity to interview some of the beneficiaries of the emergency project. Their stories will be published in the coming weeks. Keep supporting us and following us so you don't miss any updates.
