The recent rains in Kenya have caused unprecedented devastation, with severe flooding affecting 88% of the country. This has resulted in widespread household disruptions, displacements, and loss of livelihoods. As of June 1, OCHA reports that half a million individuals have been impacted. Despite the reopening of schools in mid-May, the destruction of classrooms has forced thousands of students into hybrid learning. The pervasive flooding has led to 178 active displacement sites accommodating 71,704 people, as reported by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).
What we are doing in Kenya to help flood-affected households
Nairobi County has been heavily impacted by a crisis, with 147,061 individuals affected and 20,968 families displaced. AVSI has conducted a survey of households in Korogocho, Mathare, Kibera, Mukuru to assess their needs. AVSI's response includes providing shelter, food, and clean drinking water, while also addressing the long-term threat of waterborne diseases.
AVSI is actively providing immediate aid and long-term support to affected communities also in other counties, including Meru, Narok, Elgeiyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kajiado, Baringo, Siaya, and Garissa.
AVSI response to the floods emergency
- Psychosocial support: social workers are providing psychosocial support to help individuals and families cope with the trauma and stress caused by the flooding.
- Education access: AVSI is ensuring that children can continue their education by guaranteeing access to schools. plans are in place to supply children with necessary scholastic materials such as uniforms, books, and pens.
- Providing essential supplies: distribution of food, household items, and personal protective equipment. 152 food vouchers, food and hygiene kits have been distributed in the area of Mukuru Kwa Reuben (Nairobi).
- Supporting families with housing: assisting displaced families with temporary housing solutions, including covering household rent for two months. In the Nairobi slums of Kibera, Kahawa Korogocho, Mathare, and Mukuru AVSI has offered cash transfers for June and July rent to 50 affected households slums.
- Improving health and safety: distributing mosquito nets to prevent malaria and other health interventions.
- Enhancing emergency preparedness: training community members and scouts in emergency response procedures.
- Building resilience: assisting families in building economic stability through personalized business and life skills support to better prepare for future shocks.
- Supporting agricultural resilience: assisting farmers with techniques and tools to improve productivity and sustainability in the face of climate change.
Story of John Ochieng, one of the flood survivors supported by AVSI
John Ochieng, a 63-year-old resident of Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums in Nairobi, offers a glimpse into the dire conditions faced by many.
“I woke up at midnight to the sound of rain, got up and my feet sank into the water. The whole floor was covered with water. In a very, very short time, the water was already up to my chest.”
John Ochieng
John was forced to seek refuge in a church, losing his home and essential belongings. The Kenyan government has demolished houses near riverbanks for safety, displacing many who now seek shelter in schools, churches, or with friends and relatives on higher ground. John has been receiving support from AVSI through the USAID Tumikia Mtoto project. He, along with others, received food baskets and cash transfers thanks to the program's partnerships.
AVSI campaign to assist people affected by the floods
In October 2023, AVSI launched a fundraising campaign to support 45,000 farmers in Kenya. Now, the appeal is being relaunched to continue supporting their activities and standing by those who have lost everything.
