By Martha Sunda | Executive Director, Childline Kenya
The first quarter of 2024 brought unprecedented challenges in Kenya. Heavy rains led to devastating floods, displacing thousands of families and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Many parts of the country were affected and especially the informal settlements including the residents of Mathare and Kibra, two of Nairobi's largest informal settlements. However, amidst this chaos, the resilience and spirit of the community shone through, supported by the unwavering efforts of Childline Kenya and the generosity of well-wishers through the GlobalGiving platform.
As the floodwaters began to rise in late January, the streets of Mathare and Kibra turned into waterways, sweeping away homes and possessions. Families were left stranded, clinging to whatever they could salvage. Among them was Mercy, a 43-year-old mother of three, who watched helplessly as her modest home was engulfed by the rushing waters. With her husband away for work, Mercy found herself solely responsible for the safety and well-being of her four children.
Childline Kenya and other partners mobilized resources to respond to the crisis through providing immediate relief including food, clean water, blankets, and clothing to displaced families like Mercy’s.
Mercy and her children were among the first to be assisted. "I felt a sense of relief when I saw the response teams. They provided us with everything we needed to survive those first few days," she recalls. Apart from the basic necessities, Childline Kenya also provided counseling and specialized therapy to the people who were struggling with mental health concerns following the traumatic experiences related to the floods, including loss of loved ones and property.
One of the most pressing needs identified was the provision of hygiene products, particularly for adults with severe disabilities, girls, and women. Thanks to the generous donation from Save the Children International, Childline Kenya will now additionally be able to distribute diapers to 200 adults with severe disabilities, sanitary pads to 400 girls and women. These items play a crucial role in maintaining dignity and health during this challenging time.
Childline Kenya provides mental health and psychosocial support to families, helping them cope with the trauma of their experiences. Trained counselors worked with both children and adults, offering individual and group therapy sessions. Mercy found solace in these sessions, saying, "The counseling helped me process the loss and fear. It gave me the strength to focus on rebuilding our lives."
The first quarter of 2024 tested the resilience of the residents of Mathare and Kibra, but it also highlighted the power of community and compassion. Through the support of well-wishers and the dedicated efforts of Childline Kenya and its partners, families like Mercy’s found hope and a path to recovery. This story of resilience and renewal is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together to support those in need.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to friends of Childline Kenya, GlobalGiving, and all our donors and partners who made this response possible. Your generosity has brought hope and stability to countless lives during a time of great need.
Although the rains have subsided, the effects of the floods are still being acutely felt. Flood victims are now facing a myriad of challenges such as displacement, loss of homes and personal belongings, increased risk of waterborne diseases, food insecurity, lack of access to basic services, and ongoing trauma leading to mental health issues. We therefore continue appealing to wellwishers to consider donating in cash and kind for continued best response to affected families.
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