By Shadrack Nyakoe
Concern Worldwide Kenya and Mukuru Slums Development Projects (MSDP), in partnership with USAID, have today launched Flood Emergency Response Action in Nairobi (FERN) Project in Mukuru, Nairobi.
Flood Emergency Response Action is part of the U.S. Government’s pledge to support Kenya during the recent flooding crisis. The project, supported by USAID, is focused on helping affected communities in the Mukuru informal settlement through vital Non-Food Item (NFI) distributions, cash assistance and WASH.
Given the significant political interest surrounding this U.S. Government-backed initiative, the forum aimed on community impact and resilience-building.
Speaking today in Nairobi, Wairimu Wahome, Director, Concern Worldwide Kenya said that they are very pleased to launch the flood response emergency project here in Nairobi, especially in Mukuru slum which was among the worst hit areas by the recent floods.
“The floods were unforeseen and so you can imagine the level of negative impact which the people of this area endured,” she noted.
Wahome averred that through the partnership with Mukuru Slums Development Projects and USAID through the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, they are able and intend to continue providing support to the Mukuru community
She added that they are also targeting Korogocho and Mathare to provide cash assistance or cash transfers to 7,800 households. This will see around 20,000 individuals benefit from the program.
In line with reaching the most vulnerable members, she said reiterated that about three quarters of those targeted are women and persons with disabilities simply because of the tough times they experience whenever emergencies occur.
“We will also provide Sh4,500 per month over the next four months to the victims. This will ensure they can utilize the cash transfers to secure items or services which they consider as a priority,” she added.
Anne Muthoni, Head of Programs, Mukuru Slums Development Projects said that they will strictly be implementing the program in several areas which include Makadara, Embakasi South, Embakasi North, Ruaraka among others.
“In our targeting process, we involve the community since we a grassroot organization which focuses on a door-to-door registration. This ensures we target the neediest and deserving persons,” she said.
Muthoni noted as far as they acknowledge that majority have already moved after their homes were demolished, they are able to trace them using the Nyumba Kumi mapping and initiative who easily trace them.
The people of Mukuru received non-food items such as water buckets, soaps, basins, aqua taps and sanitary towels.
She noted that they will continue with hygiene promotion messages which are spearheaded by Community Health Promoters (CHP’s) in order to address the immediate needs which arise after such occurrences.
