Several organisations have entered a partnership with Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) in identifying deserving persons for food and other donations even as floods wreak havoc across the city.
On Thursday, five organisations led by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) pitched camp at Shofco Kibera School for Girls where 500 flood victims converged to receive foodstuff donations.
“We are delighted to be hosted by SHOFCO which is doing great work in identifying real victims of the floods. SHOFCO has helped us identify families who were living along the riverbeds and were dislodged and are now living with other people,” KEPSA Foundation Executive Director Gloria Ndekei said.
Other organisations that participated in the foodstuffs distribution exercise include Chandaria Foundation, Global Peace, Mama Doing Good, and Marketing Society of Kenya (KMS).
Mama Doing Good is an initiative being used by First Lady Rachael Ruto to reach Kenyans through various programs.
“We are happy to work with community-based organisations like SHOFCO who can help us reach their people and ensure that everyone is covered,” KMS Chairperson Zuhura Odhiambo said.
On his part, SHOFCO Chief Strategy Officer Mark Laichena underscored the value of partnerships in dealing with the effects of disasters.
"We are here today to witness the value of partnership in dealing with disasters. We are grateful to KEPSA and other partners who have donated foodstuffs to flood victims here in Kibera.
A report by the Kenya Red Cross indicates that as of May 2nd, 2024, the recent surge in flooding has claimed 188 lives and affected over 196,296 people, with approximately 33,100 households displaced.
The heavy rains have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of businesses and industries.
Damage to schools, water sources, and major roads has also been reported, as well as the high risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases.
SHOFCO has been at the forefront of helping flood victims in Kibera, Mathare, Korogocho and Mukuru slums in Nairobi.
The organisation has reached over 5000 families with foodstuffs, bedding and household items and has moved several families to safer places.
“We know that people need psychological support and healthcare and our teams have been on the ground to ensure that the victims are fully supported.
“We do healthcare outreaches through our health clinics because several people have experienced diarrhoea, especially in Mathare slums,” SHOFCO CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede said.
The organisation is also mapping out highly affected areas in Kisumu, Bungoma, Homa Bay and Vihiga counties to send support in the coming days if the floods persist.
Through its Shofco Urban Network (SUN) programme which has over four million members across Kenya, SHOFCO is getting real-time data from all the corners of the country affected by flash floods.
