Concern is currently responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Kenya.
Since the outbreak of violence on 30 December more than 500 people have been killed. It is feared the death toll could exceed 1,000. An estimated 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and are now taking shelter in make-shift camps, churches and school yards. Many are sleeping outdoors in the bitter cold nights without food, water, fuel or protection. The situation on the ground remains tense and there is continuing movement of people to more secure areas as people anxiously await political developments.
Concern's initial response is focusing on ensuring supplies of food and essential items for displaced populations mainly in Rift Valley and Nairobi slums. Concern has already started supporting partners in Londiani providing support for immediate food needs and blankets for approximately 1,500 people. Concern is also supporting local partners in Eldoret, one of the areas with the highest numbers of displaced people. It is likely displacement will continue for some time and longer term support will be needed as the situation develops.
Concern has a long term development programme in the Kibera and Korogocho slums in Nairobi. This programme involves work in the areas of HIV and AIDS, primary education and nutrition sectors. Four of our partners are hosting displaced populations on their compounds in the slums and Concern is assisting with food and financial support. Approximately 7,000 people are being supported at present with further assessments planned.
A number of Concern supported development programmes have re-opened in Nairobi slums. The main concern is to trace those who were enrolled in HIV and AIDS programmes and in nutrition programmes prior to the crisis to ensure that they can continue their medication.
"Kenyans are showing great resilience and a determination to get back to normality," says Concern Overseas Director Paul O'Brien. "Schools in Nairobi are scheduled to re-open next week and people are trying to get back to work but it is vital that a political solution be found as soon as possible to stop the spread of tribal violence."
Concern is working closely with other agencies such as the Kenya Red Cross to co-ordinate relief efforts effectively.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
African Union head and Ghanaian President John Kufuor briefs the media as he leaves a meeting with opposition leader Raila Odinga in Nairobi, January 10, 2008. Kenya's feuding president and opposition ...
