Conflict in Moyale, Kenya, hampering operations

By Susan Anyangu Amu

Inter community fighting has been reported in Isiolo and Moyale in North Eastern Kenya. So far, reports indicate 20 people have been killed while dozens have been injured and houses burnt down.

World Vision Kenya operations have been affected in Golbo, Wajir South and Isiolo Oldonyiro IPAs.  Staff  who had gone home during the Christmas holidays have been unable to travel back to their work stations in affected IPAs. This has grounded operations in the IPAs. Food distribution under the PRRO project and emergency response has been affected.

As at Monday, January 9, 2012, eight of the 15 members of staff who were still in Nairobi were scheduled to be airlifted to Moyale. Wajir South IPA staff who were still stranded in Moyale are also making plans to travel back to work.

"World Vision Kenya is currently supporting the government to have peace meetings with the affected communities, even as we work on contingency plans to provide support to the children in the affected areas" says Daniel Mwebi, WVK Operations Director for the Eastern region.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission a government body has linked the conflict to the upcoming General Elections. And as political temperatures continue to rise it is expected the situation will remain volatile. This will threaten operations in the IPAs and affect staff and the community both physically and psychologically.