Christian Aid looks to the future now that a power sharing deal has been brokered in Kenya.
As a result of post-election violence in Kenya, more than 300,000 were forced to flee their homes. At least 800 people were killed, homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, and thousands are still camping in open-air around schools, churches and police stations.
People living in these open-air sites lack access to safe drinking water, regular food supplies and proper sanitation.
Christian Aid’s immediate response
Christian Aid sent £35,000 to our partner IDCSS in Nyanza province – one of the areas affected worst by the violence. This money provided food and survival kits, which contain items like cooking utensils, mosquito nets, sanitary towels and blankets.
With £50,000 in rapid response funds, Action by Churches Together’s Kenya Forum (AKF) – of which Christian Aid is a member – also provided survival kits to 2,000 displaced families in the most vulnerable areas of Rift Valley, Coast Western, Nyanza and Nairobi.
As the crisis continues, AKF has launched an Action by Churches Together Appeal to reach 30,000 displaced people with trauma healing and reconciliation activities, as well as immediate hygiene, sanitation and relief projects.
Christian Aid has successfully applied for £81,000 from DFID Kenya through a joint consortium of Christian Aid, CAFOD and Trocaire to help those displaced in Nyanza, Western province and parts of Rift Valley.
Long-term support required
The political crisis in Kenya led to violence erupting along ethnic lines. From past experience in countries like Rwanda and Kosovo, Christian Aid knows that this ethnic divide must be mended for the country to return to peace.
Kenya’s leaders signed a power sharing deal on 28 February 2008 which has brought an end to the post-election violence. This deal must now pave the way for reconciliation and forgiveness.
Only then will those displaced by violence have the confidence to return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives again.
Christian Aid partners are there for the long term, and will help not only to provide aid but also to rebuild communities and trust within Kenyan society.