CARE Takes Leading Role with Kenya Red Cross in Kisumu Hotspots
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Comes to the Rescue of a Nurse - Impact of Violence Has Long-Term Consequences
for Displaced People in Kenya - The New York Times: As Kenyan Rivals Haggle,
a Mother Mourns at 2 Graves
NAIROBI (January 24, 2008) - CARE is taking a leading role in bringing urgently needed relief to some of the areas hit hardest by post election violence. "We are concentrating our efforts on Nyanza Province, where CARE already has a strong presence, including the city of Kisumu," said Bud Crandall, CARE Country Director in Kenya.
"Our aim is to reach the most vulnerable people in the informal settlements, those who have been most affected by the conflict," said Crandall. "Our initial focus is to deliver essential non-food supplies to approximately 5,000 people, including blankets, soap,
mosquito nets, kitchen utensils, plastic sheeting, water containers
and sanitary packs."
Crandall noted that a quick recovery for Kisumu is not likely, as it has endured extensive damage in recent weeks. Many businesses in the city have been looted and burned to the ground and many business owners have left the area. Those residents who have stayed in their homes in the informal settlements have far less
opportunities to earn a living as petty trade and casual and low
wage labor have dried up. At the same time, prices of staple
cereals and vegetables are skyrocketing, with increases of up to
300 percent.
The humanitarian impact of the post election violence and the overall instability continues to be felt throughout the country almost one month after Kenyans went to the polls and elections results were disputed. Despite efforts to mediate the dispute, the situation is far from normal. Targeted violence continues in part of the North Rift Valley Province and in many of the informal settlements in Nairobi. Security is still a major issue and constrains CARE's response in some areas. Additionally, the organization has not been able to carry out many of its normal activities as human resources have been diverted to address the crisis.
In key parts of the country, the insecurity has not only affected relief operations but also the planting and harvesting seasons.
"Over the long term food security will be a major issue," says Ngugi Chege, CARE Assistant Country Director in Kenya. "We need to think ahead and provide seed and tools to enable farmers to plant in February and March when the new planting season ought to start."
Media Contacts:
Media Contact in Nairobi: Bea Spadacini, spadacini@ci.or.ke, +254 (0) 725 22 10 36
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