Kenya Experiences Worst Rains Since 1959

Kenya is experiencing floods and landslides following a period of heavy rains in 15 districts in the country. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the western part of Kenya is receiving its heaviest rains since 1959.Over 120,000 people have been adversely affected by the floods to date with a possibility of an increase in this number given the on-going rainy season expected to continue till end of May 2013.  World Vision operates in some of the 15 affected districts.

According to reports by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), at least 63,000 people have been displaced by flooding since the onset of the rains in mid March, while 54 deaths have been recorded with several others injured. The number of displaced people is expected to rise before the rainy season ends.  Additionally, the floods have had adverse effects on supply of clean water, sanitation, crops, livestock production and infrastructure (roads, water pipelines, hospitals, and electricity).  Furthermore, schools have been affected with roofs being blown off, roads being cut off and displaced persons camping in school compounds hence straining the available facilities.

In response to this emergency, the Government of Kenya has pledged USD 17.6 million to respond to flood-affected populations. These funds will be allocated to compensating populations whose assets and livelihoods have been destroyed and also to rebuilding infrastructure.

However, despite this financial support by the government, significant gaps remain, with agencies being called upon to support in areas of food assistance, health, Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Child Protection and provision of Non Food Items (NFIs). World Vision in collaboration with other stakeholders is positioned to respond in the areas of WASH, Child Protection and Provision of NFIs. The total funding needed for the response is USD 2.5 million. To complement the government’s and other humanitarian organizations’ efforts, World Vision is responding to the needs of 20,000 affected people with prepositioned non-food relief supplies such as shelter kits, treated mosquito nets, blankets, kitchen utensils, and water storage facilities.