It has been two years since drought ravaged communities in Kenya. When Anglican Overseas Aid visited during this time, the memories of malnourished children and mothers left to search for water stayed with us forever.
Today, communities are still recovering. While many children have been fed, the damage to livelihoods and families has been devastating.
Urgent help is still needed to restore livelihoods and protect children's futures.
Securing Livelihoods
Edward, the chief of his community, has seen people’s livelihoods – including his own – transformed, thanks to our partner, the Diocese of Mt Kenya West.
They are now taking up an array of income-generating activities like beekeeping, poultry and selling beads.
Edward is particularly proud of the women in his community, who have never made money. ‘They are now earning an income,’ he says.
Many people in the Diocese of Mt Kenya West are pastoralists. During the drought, their livestock was decimated, leaving their livelihoods in tatters.
The Diocese is working with people to rebuild their activities and ensure they have a variety of drought-secure income streams.
Transforming Savings
Mary, mother to Joy*, joined the Diocese’s feeding program while seeking treatment for her daughter. The program established a Savings Group at the clinic to help families achieve long-term success.
Through the collective, Mary expanded her beadwork business and bought chickens. Joy’s health has greatly improved, and Mary can now provide nourishing food for her family and pay for her children’s school fees.
In Kenya, saving for a better future is often impossible, with all income going to basic necessities. Savings Groups are vital, enabling people to pool resources, where a little turns into enough to start a small business, purchase livestock or establish their own kitchen garden.
*Joy's name has been changed.
Nutritious Food
Sepen is a caregiver to her grandson, Patrick*, who was severely malnourished. Through the AOA-supported feeding program, Patrick’s health was restored. Sepen then joined a support group run by the Diocese, learning how to grow drought-hardy vegetables for her family. Sepen was also able to purchase four chickens, just another way she could provide nourishing food.
Many people in Kenya are pastoralists and do not grow drought-tolerant fruits and vegetables. The Diocese works with communities, teaching them how to grow nutritious and drought-resistant food.
They learn how to capture water and store food for their animals so that when future droughts come, they are prepared.
*Patrick's name has been changed.
Safe Childhoods
At 15, Franciscah gave birth to a baby girl. Determined to raise her child with her mother’s support, finish high school and earn a living, she faced immense challenges.
Her lifeline was the Teenage Mothers’ Club run by the Diocese of Mt Kenya West, which provided emotional and financial support, giving hope and security for her and her daughter’s future.
In Kenya, nearly half of all children face violence. During droughts, they are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect, often having to leave school to work. Girls are especially vulnerable as families pressure them into marriage.
The Diocese is working with communities to keep children safe. Leaders are trained in child-safety practices and families are provided with support and education on how to help their children thrive.
Will you help families rebuild their lives and futures?
In times like this, we are reminded of the words from John 10:10:
‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’
We will not sit by as the thief comes to steal the innocence of children. Together, we can fight for children's rights and uphold God’s call that no one should live in poverty.
Thank you for standing with us and for bringing life, hope, and security to families who need it most.
