IsraAID Kenya completes emergency response following tribal violence

IsraAID, Israel’s leading humanitarian organization, has completed an emergency response in Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps following an outbreak of inter-community violence in June. Fighting between the Anyuak and Nuer communities broke out on June 20, resulting in 19 deaths, 10,000 refugees displaced, and over 700 homes damaged or destroyed. Building on their long-term presence in the camps, IsraAID Kenya deployed quickly to support the urgent mental health, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and education needs of over 1,200 people affected by the violence.

The six-day conflict destroyed the homes of over 3,500 refugees living in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. IsraAID immediately launched an emergency assessment, training frontline workers from the refugee community to conduct the assessment and provide basic psychological first aid. On July 25, IsraAID began its urgent response, providing educational materials, distributing hygiene items and promoting awareness on sanitation, rehabilitating destroyed sanitation facilities, and strengthening community leaders’ ability to handle future conflicts.

IsraAID identified over 620 children who were unable to attend school due to the clashes. In addition, many saw their school supplies destroyed. IsraAID distributed over 4,000 schoolbooks, 2,000 pens, and 150 backpacks, to more than 400 children whose school materials had been destroyed. IsraAID also provided nearly 250 school uniforms.

To support sanitation and hygiene needs and promote safe water use, IsraAID distributed jerricans to 200 households, nearly 400 treated mosquito nets, over 1,300 menstrual supplies, and 450 bars of soap to conflict-affected households. Alongside distributions, IsraAID helped inform communities of sanitation risks, and held a forum on safe water use, proper hygiene, and the prevention of communicable diseases in emergency settings. IsraAID also constructed 66 temporary communal latrines, supporting nearly 800 displaced people. Proper latrines are essential to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, which often spike during displacement crises.

Finally, IsraAID led trainings for 30 community leaders, focusing on how to mediate disputes and promote cooperation in times of crisis. Leaders also learned about community management during disasters and effective communication strategies.

With the completion of the emergency response, IsraAID Kenya is now developing a post-emergency plan to continue supporting communities as they recover.

IsraAID Kenya Acting Country Director Jemimah Owande, said:

“Part of our long-term response in Kenya includes standing ready to face new emergencies as they arise. Our team is deeply committed to the communities we work with and we’re proud to stand beside them through any challenge. The violence that erupted in June had a devastating impact on affected families. Providing immediate psychological first aid, getting children back to school, maintaining sanitation and hygiene, and supporting leadership are all critical elements to getting communities back on their feet. Now that the first stage of the emergency response has concluded, we’ll continue developing a post-emergency plan, to ensure that those affected have the support they need throughout their recovery process. “

-ENDS-

Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID Kenya Acting Country Director Jemimah Owande and other individuals involved in this operation. 

PHOTOS:

Photos of IsraAID’s Emergency response in Kenya can be found here. All photos should be credited to IsraAID/Andre Akinovic

CONTACT:

Shachar May
Email: [email protected]

Notes:

IsraAID is a leading international humanitarian non-governmental organization, based in Israel. Since 2001, IsraAID has become synonymous with a rapid response to humanitarian crises and a long-term commitment to working with affected communities. During and after emergencies, IsraAID partners with communities to re-build their lives – and their futures – together. As of September 2024, IsraAID has responded to more than 100 emergencies, in more than 65 countries.