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Kenya

Kenya: Freak weather destroys roads and livestock

Flash floods cause more problems for those struggling to cope with drought in Kenya, while lack of resources sees tensions between tribes grow
Relief efforts in Kenya are now even more vital after recent heavy rains killed off weak livestock and destroyed badly-needed roads to remote areas.

Sudden, torrential rain in the drought-affected areas of the country through early April caused flash floods and finished off many animals that could not cope with the shock of cold and wet conditions.

Our partners also report that many roads were also damaged, making travel to remote areas - often the worst affected by the drought - much harder.

Harder to recover

This latest development is especially worrying in light of the fact that, as droughts become more frequent, the worst affected people (mainly pastoralists) find it harder to recover before the next period of drought.

It has been estimated that in some areas 95% of cattle have now been lost, and malnutrition levels have continued to increase because insufficient periods for recovery means people are increasingly vulnerable.

Peter McGeachie, CAFOD's regional office manager in Kenya, comments: "Whilst droughts have always been a feature in East Africa, occurring roughly every four to five years, in recent times the effect on communities has increased dramatically."

"With a lack of support from central government and traditional coping mechanisms worn down, the recent lack of rain which would not normally have been a disaster has been the trigger for a major crisis."

The most severe impact has been in the Northern and Eastern pastoral areas of the country, with the dioceses of Marsabit, Isiolo and Kitui all being badly affected by the current emergency.

Murang'a diocese, another CAFOD development partner, has also been affected, but on a smaller scale.

Targeting the vulnerable

Our partners have been responded to the situation with the help of CAFOD funds by targeting some of the most vulnerable people in the community: children under five, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, the elderly and those living with HIV and AIDS.

They have been providing food and water and, in some cases, repairing and maintaining existing water sources including wells, water catchments and sand dams.

Funds have been provided to buy excess and distressed livestock from pastoralists and to pay for veterinary care to livestock including vaccinations.

Additionally, a small grant of =A320,000 has been made to the Practical Action livestock programme in the Samburu District.

Tribal clashes

The current situation is also complicated by other factors. Earlier in 2005 CAFOD responded to another emergency in Marsabit and Moyale districts when 38,500 people were displaced due to tribal clashes.

CAFOD, through the Diocese of Marsabit, provided emergency food and household items to 450 families displaced by the violence sparked by competition over already scarce water and pasture resources.

It is believed that the worsening drought over recent months has only served to exacerbate tensions in the north generally.

In response to this, CAFOD has helped facilitate the creation of the Marsabit Inter-Faith Council (MIC).

This is made up of representatives from the Muslim and Christian faiths (Catholic and Protestant) in Marsabit and Moyale Districts, and seeks to bring people together to find common solutions to the conflict.

Peter McGeachie comments: "CAFOD-funded activities include workshops and meetings bringing together community groups and inter faith leaders."

"These promote dialogue and materials, as well as training on peace building and conflict transformation."