The Salvation Army in Kenya responds to the ongoing crisis
05 February 2008
ONGOING public disturbances in Kenya have led to many thousands of people fleeing their homes. The Salvation Army in Kenya has responded to this crisis by mobilising many of its members to bring assistance to the growing number of people who are suffering because of the unrest. Latest reports suggest that more than a quarter of a million people are now homeless in Kenya and seeking shelter in churches, schools, police stations and showgrounds.
Shortly after the unrest began, The Salvation Army started receiving victims of the violence at their buildings in Kakamega and Kisumu. It also quickly became aware of people sheltering in other public spaces who needed assistance and Salvation Army officers in these areas have provided support and practical assistance, liaising with Government authorities and organisations such as the Red Cross.
In Nairobi, officers from headquarters and other centres have regularly attended two camps where displaced people from Huruma and Mathare are seeking refuge. They have identified the needs in these locations and have begun to provide material and pastoral support. An initial sum of US$83,000 has already been released in order to offer immediate assistance. Because of this funding, an extensive package of support has been set in place for more than 3,000 families.
Substantial family kits containing maize, flour, cooking oil and cooking utensils have been supplied in addition to 200 tents, 100 tarpaulins, 4,000 blankets and 700 mattresses. Captain Julius Omukonyi, the Kenyan Salvation Army officer coordinating the Army’s response, says: 'The situation is still volatile and it is not at all clear when people will be able to return to their homes. Some may never be able to return to their neighbourhoods while others will need to rebuild their houses.'
Supplying food and practical support to many of those who are badly affected by the current situation is proving to be difficult in some areas as roads are impassable and it is impossible to reach people. Despite the difficulties, the Salvationists are unstinting in their determination to respond to the expectation that ‘Where there is a need, there is The Salvation Army'.
Major Cedric Hills, The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services Coordinator, says: 'We commend our Kenyan colleagues for their brave and determined response to the needs of their country at this difficult time. We want to help the global community provide the assistance required and would welcome donations towards further work.'
Donations to the 'Africa Fund' can be made online by clicking on the button below.
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ONGOING public disturbances in Kenya have led to many thousands of people fleeing their homes. The Salvation Army in Kenya has responded to this crisis by mobilising many of its members to bring assistance to the growing number of people who are suffering because of the unrest. Latest reports suggest that more than a quarter of a million people are now homeless in Kenya and seeking shelter in churches, schools, police stations and showgrounds.
Shortly after the unrest began, The Salvation Army started receiving victims of the violence at their buildings in Kakamega and Kisumu. It also quickly became aware of people sheltering in other public spaces who needed assistance and Salvation Army officers in these areas have provided support and practical assistance, liaising with Government authorities and organisations such as the Red Cross.
In Nairobi, officers from headquarters and other centres have regularly attended two camps where displaced people from Huruma and Mathare are seeking refuge. They have identified the needs in these locations and have begun to provide material and pastoral support. An initial sum of US$83,000 has already been released in order to offer immediate assistance. Because of this funding, an extensive package of support has been set in place for more than 3,000 families.Substantial family kits containing maize, flour, cooking oil and cooking utensils have been supplied in addition to 200 tents, 100 tarpaulins, 4,000 blankets and 700 mattresses. Captain Julius Omukonyi, the Kenyan Salvation Army officer coordinating the Army’s response, says: 'The situation is still volatile and it is not at all clear when people will be able to return to their homes. Some may never be able to return to their neighbourhoods while others will need to rebuild their houses.'
Supplying food and practical support to many of those who are badly affected by the current situation is proving to be difficult in some areas as roads are impassable and it is impossible to reach people. Despite the difficulties, the Salvationists are unstinting in their determination to respond to the expectation that ‘Where there is a need, there is The Salvation Army'.
Major Cedric Hills, The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services Coordinator, says: 'We commend our Kenyan colleagues for their brave and determined response to the needs of their country at this difficult time. We want to help the global community provide the assistance required and would welcome donations towards further work.'
Donations to the 'Africa Fund' can be made online by clicking on the button below.
Report by International Emergency Services
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