Kenyan Drought Situation Remains Fragile

28 October 2011
28 October 2011

TURKANA, in North West Kenya, remains the major focal point for The Salvation Army Kenya West Territory’s drought response activities. Short-term relief programmes are being delivered for struggling communities suffering the direct effects of the drought.

A Salvation Army International Emergency Services (IES) team has been working in the area for a month. The situation remains fragile as communities wait for the anticipated seasonal November rains in the hope that they will begin to replenish the dwindling water table. Water continues to be delivered to primary schools and outlying village communities around Lodwar, and the community of Lokitaung which is around 200 km north, close to the Ethiopian border. The water deliveries are providing much needed relief for communities that are considered vulnerable to the effects of the drought. Discussions with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies have been held regarding the water table level.

The Salvation Army is assisting one school to drill a much-needed borehole in an area where neither the school, nor the local community have adequate access to regular water supply. The borehole is almost completed with the water tank stand already built.

The Food for Fees project remains the main focal point for the IES team. With the excellent assistance of personnel from the local department of education, the team has contacted all 19 secondary schools in the Turkana area. This valuable project enables students, who are often required to board far from home, continuing access to secondary school education and is an effective investment for the future of Kenya.

The team is also actively involved in local committees partnering with other NGOs and government departments to assess the likely scenario for 2012.