Special Appeal for children displaced by drought

Last year was very wet in this part of Kenya.  Considering the drought suffered a couple of years prior, that was a welcome relief and people revelled in a decent harvest.  This was particularly well received in light of the difficulties suffered due to the Covid 19 lockdowns and issues which put a strain on most families' jobs, freedom of movement and incomes.  However, we are now well into what should be the wettest time of the year - but it isn't.  If we do not get some good rainfall soon, there is a real possibility of a repeat of the drought. 

Families who moved to Kitale and its environs to escape the harsh arid climate of north west Kenya, mostly settled in and around the town although some drifted back to their northern homes after receiving some training or assistance.  We continue to work with some of the families and youths who moved into our area and most now have completed apprenticeship training courses or have been set up in small businesses and are self supporting.  We aim to provide sustainable solutions for families, not just to give hand-outs.    However, as people start to worry about potential drought again, we are starting to see a steady influx of youths moving south in hopes of finding employment or a way to escape the threats of drought.

Traditionally, families north of Kitale relied on a mostly nomadic lifestyle centred around herds of goats and camels.  Over time, many have settled and become pastoralist, farming small holdings along river banks or fishing.  However, climate extremes have seen many of these rivers flood and destroy small farms in times of extreme rains or, in drier times, completely dry up leaving no water supply for irrigation or to assist in rearing livestock.  Life is always uncertain in these parts and we need to find solutions to assist many of these families to find alternative ways to feed their children.  As road and communication infrastructure improves, there are more possibilities for youths to set up different businesses with a little training and some help in set up costs and that is where we are trying to make a difference.  Sadly, old cultures will have to adapt to new ways if people are to survive increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Our latest group of youths entered their training courses in April and are learning skills that will enable them to be employed or self-employed wherever they choose to settle.  Their training will last for one year and they will then be provided with a Certificate and a set of tools.  Last year's graduates are all working - some employed, some self-employed - and helping to support their families.  We hope to soon set up a training scheme outside of Kitale, further to the north, to enable these youths to be closer to their home communities and we hope for your help to be able to do this.