Country Director for Concern Worldwide Kenya, Wairimu Wahome, Country Director for Concern Worldwide Kenya during a Press briefing held at Mukuru Slums Development.
Concern Worldwide Kenya, in partnership with Mukuru Slums Development Projects (MSDP) and USAID, officially launched the FERN Project on Friday, October 4th. The initiative, part of the U.S. Government’s support to Kenya following the recent flooding crisis, aims to help affected communities in Mukuru, Mathare, and Korogocho informal settlements through essential Non-Food Item (NFI) distributions, cash assistance, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions.
The project is designed to not only provide immediate relief but also to strengthen community resilience in the face of devastating floods that have disrupted the lives of thousands. “The floods caught many by surprise, and the level of damage, especially here in Mukuru, has been significant. Today, we are proud to begin addressing the needs of those affected,” said Wairimu Wahome, Country Director for Concern Worldwide Kenya.
Wahome highlighted the importance of the project in supporting 7,800 households, benefiting over 20,000 individuals. A large proportion of those targeted include women and persons with disabilities, who face heightened vulnerability during such crises. “About three-quarters of those we aim to assist are women and individuals with disabilities. The scale of their needs is immense,” she explained.
Central to the FERN Project’s support strategy is cash assistance, with each targeted household set to receive Ksh 4,500 per month. Wahome emphasized that this approach is about more than just providing financial aid—it’s about restoring dignity and choice to those affected. “We believe in the dignity and choice of those affected. Through cash transfers, we ensure that individuals have the autonomy to prioritize their own needs,” she stated.
Additionally, Concern Worldwide is distributing essential non-food items, such as water containers, basins, soap, and sanitary towels, to promote hygiene in areas where access to basic sanitation is limited. “This is a community that walks long distances in search of water. The NFIs we are distributing today are essential to help them maintain hygiene, particularly in the aftermath of floods that have worsened their living conditions,” Wahome added.
Anne Muthoni, Head of Programs at Mukuru Slums Development Project, emphasized the role of her organization as the implementing partner for the FERN Project. “We involved the community in the targeting process, conducting door-to-door registration to ensure that the most vulnerable people are reached. Many had already moved after the floods destroyed their homes, but we were able to trace them using new mapping techniques,” Muthoni said.
The Kenya Red Cross reports that the April and May floods displaced over 300,000 people across the country, resulting in over 300 deaths, 188 injuries, and 75 people reported missing. As the FERN Project addresses immediate needs, it also aims to lay the foundation for long-term recovery and resilience in these communities.
The initiative also tackles the secondary impacts of flooding, such as blocked drainage systems and increased disease risk, including cholera. To counter these challenges, hygiene promotion efforts are being rolled out through community health promoters who are raising awareness about safe sanitation practices and encouraging residents to avoid dumping waste in rivers.
Read: https://kenyadailypulsenews.wordpress.com/2024/05/17/government-issues-statement-on-flooding-in-kenya/
The launch of the FERN Project marks a critical step in rebuilding and empowering flood-affected communities in Nairobi. As Concern Worldwide, MSDP, and USAID continue their collaborative efforts, the focus remains on addressing both immediate and long-term needs to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind
