By James Mutua
In a significant step towards supporting flood-affected communities in Nairobi, Concern Worldwide, in partnership with the Mukuru Slum Development Project and with the support of USAID through the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, launched the Flood Emergency Response Project (FERN) on Friday. The initiative aims to address the devastating impact of recent floods on vulnerable communities in Mukuru, Mathare, and Korogocho.
Speaking at the launch, Wairimu Wahome, the Country Director for Concern Worldwide, highlighted the immense challenges faced by these communities due to unexpected floods a few months ago. “The floods caught many by surprise, and the level of damage, especially here in Mukuru, has been significant. Today, we are proud to begin addressing the needs of those affected,” Wahome stated.
The FERN project will focus on providing crucial support, particularly targeting 7,800 households—benefiting over 20,000 individuals. A large proportion of those targeted include women and persons with disabilities, given their heightened vulnerability. “About three-quarters of those we aim to assist are women and individuals with disabilities. The scale of their needs is immense,” Wahome explained.
Central to the initiative is cash assistance, where households will receive Ksh 4,500 per month. “We believe in the dignity and choice of those affected. Through cash transfers, we ensure that individuals have the autonomy to prioritize their own needs,” said Wahome. She added that cash transfers allow recipients to purchase essential items or services without being dictated by external agencies.
In addition to cash transfers, Concern Worldwide is also distributing non-food items (NFIs) such as water containers, basins, soap, and sanitary towels. These items are crucial for promoting hygiene, especially in areas where access to basic sanitation is limited. “This is a community that walks long distances in search of water. The NFIs we are distributing today are essential to help them maintain hygiene, particularly in the aftermath of floods that have worsened their living conditions,” Wahome emphasized.
The flooding has also exacerbated waste management challenges, blocking river channels and increasing the risk of diseases like cholera. To counter this, hygiene promotion efforts are being rolled out through community health promoters. These efforts include raising awareness about sanitation practices and encouraging residents to avoid dumping waste in rivers, which can clog drainages and increase the risk of destruction during future floods.
While the FERN project addresses immediate needs, Wahome underscored the importance of sustaining these efforts in the long term. “The flooding happened months ago, but its effects will persist. We are not just focused on emergency relief; we are also working with the community to explore sustainable solutions for the future,” she said.
Anne Muthoni, Head of Programs at the Mukuru Skills Development Project, emphasized the role of her organization as the implementing partner for the FERN project. “We are targeting 7,800 households hardest hit by the floods, and our goal is to ensure they receive the necessary support,” Muthoni explained.
She highlighted the grassroots approach used in identifying the beneficiaries. “We involved the community in the targeting process, conducting door-to-door registration to ensure that the most vulnerable people are reached. Many had already moved after the floods destroyed their homes, but we were able to trace them using new mapping techniques. We are committed to ensuring that those affected by the floods are the ones benefiting from this project,” Muthoni said.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the April/May floods displaced over 300,000 people in Kenya, resulting in over 300 deaths, 188 injuries, and 75 people reported missing.
The launch of FERN marks a critical step in rebuilding and empowering flood-affected communities in Nairobi, as Concern Worldwide and its partners continue to address both immediate and long-term needs.
