HEALTH
NUTRITION
WATSAN
GLOBAL FUND
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Better With You
Issue No. 56
LOCALISING HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
BOMA
Jul-Sep 2015
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
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CONTENTS
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INSIDE
Pg
5
Health & Nutrition
Pg
15
Water & Sanitation
Pg
17
Orginisational
Development
Disaster Management
.....................................................................pg25
Disaster Operations
.....................................................................pg29
Global Fund
.....................................................................pg35
International Centre For
Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) &
Training
.....................................................................pg37
Eplus
.....................................................................pg41
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www.kenyaredcross.or.ke
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Kenya Red Cross Society
@KenyaRedCross
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EDITORIAL
Governor
Dr. Mohamud Said
Secretary General
Dr. Abbas Gullet
Edition Editor
Arnolda Shiundu
Editorial Board
Diana Moraa, John Bundi, Eric Chege
Contributors
Diana Moraa, John Bundi, Arnolda Shiundu, Wariko
Waita, Steve Mwenje
Photography
John Bundi, Eric Chege
Design, Layout & Printing
Kul Graphics Limited
ReachOut is published and distributed every three
months by the Kenya Red Cross Society. The mailing
list has been established with help of our members,
branches and partners and is updated on a regular
basis. Any enquiries relating to the list should be
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publication, please liaise with the editor beforehand.
Kenya Red Cross Society
South C Bellevue, Red Cross Road
P.O. Box 40712, 00100 - GPO. Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (254 - 20) 3950000/ 6003593/600669
Fax: (254 - 20) 3950444
Email: [email protected]
www.kenyaredcross.or.ke
Kenya Red Cross Society
@KenyaRedCross Society
@KenyaRedCross
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FOREWARD
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A
s we draw closer to the end
of this year, I am greatly
humbled by the hard work
by our volunteers and staff. We
equally would not have been able
to implement all the project without
the various partners and donors.
This quarter we have focused our
efforts towards supporting the
communities we work with to
become self-sustaining and support
themselves. Basically, Disaster Response is the most recognised function of
the Kenya Red Cross Society, but our work and mandate is to alleviate human
suffering which involves much more and I am very glad that we were able
to officially handover some of the projects that we as the Kenya Red Cross
Society is implementing countrywide. These projects range from integrated
food security and livelihood projects to health projects that have now enabled
previously vulnerable communities lead normal lives and go about their
businesses without having to worry about their survival. These projects would
not have been possible if it wasn’t for the support of our partners and donors
and I indeed thank you for your unmatched support.
HEALTH
Earlier this year, the KRCS officially launched a 12 month campaign to mark the
Society’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations during the World Red Cross Day which
also happened to be the 50 years of the Red Cross Fundamental Principles.
This marked the beginning of a commemoration of 50 years of dedicated
humanitarian service to the people of Kenya and a journey towards creating a
better understanding of the Society’s mandate through increased engagement
with members, volunteers and donors. Various activities have taken place geared
towards increasing the engagement with members, volunteers and donors thus
tell the story of the impact of KRCS work over the past 50 years, enlighten the
public that KRCS is an organisation owned by the Kenyan people and exists to
work for the wellbeing of all Kenyans and also clearly articulate a call to action
for the public to frequently give donations, membership registration, and
volunteer registration.
1. National
2. Isiolo
3. Mombasa
This year, Kenya Red Cross Society’s (KRCS) strategic Plan 2011 – 2015 comes
to an end. This plan sought to address the cooperation action to be employed
by both KRCS and its stakeholders in offering Humanitarian assistance towards
improvement of quality of life of the vulnerable communities. Through this
plan, the organization hoped to demonstrate the relevance of its promise to
communities that we serve to be “Always There” when needed and deliver our
services to Humanity through our culture of Commitment, accountability and
mutual trust.
Now as the organization looks back and comes up with a new plan which will
run for the next five years (2016-2020), we are proud to look back and celebrate
our great achievements and growth as an organization and hope that this new
plan will ensure that we better serve the communities we work with.
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HEALTH
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HEALTH
TITLE
HEALTH SECTOR
FROM HUMANITARIAN ASPECT
current efforts by different actors in putting both technical
and financial support to complement government efforts will
address these Maternal health issues``, She added.
“Other upcoming diseases faced include the noncommunicable diseases that are affecting the development of
the country. Traditional illnesses like HIV/Aids are still affecting
some parts of the country like the counties within Nyanza and
Western that still record a high number of new infections. `` We
are hoping that these are issues that can be addressed as we
move forward``, Sylvia emphasized.
The other problem that hasn’t come to the attention of many
is the issue of the harmful effect of narcotics in the Coastal
Region. Currently, there are a lot of drug addicts suffering
from withdrawal syndrome symptoms and KRCS has been
supporting them with detoxification and just helping them to
gain back their life and dignified life after that.
KRCS have been working with partners include the
Government. “The government is one of the most important
stakeholders and KRCS is working with the National
Government, County Government in the Ministry of Health
and various departments in the same Ministry. The Society
has been working also with partners like the UN Women under
Women Health issues, CBM which is a Christian Aid under
K
enya Red Cross has been working closely with the
government and health partners to enlighten the 21
Counties like Wajir and some parts of Nyanza among
others affected by the current cholera outbreak in the Country.
The government through the health facilities and different
other actors who are on the ground has managed a bit
of childhood immunizeable diseases like polio and a few
reported cases of measles in the country. The joining hands
of this health sector is to ensure the country has productive
people free from diseases.
the issues of disability. Further, the Society has equally been
working with its partner National Societies like Danish Red
Cross, Japanese Red Cross who are heavily supporting not only
Maternal Health but also non-communicable diseases and in
response of various outbreaks that are going on currently in
the Country,” said Sylvia
Going back to the issues of Cholera, the Society has been
working closely with International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent (IFRC) which has been a big supporter in
ensuring that the Society gets resources that can go towards
the efforts of trying to bring down the number of incidences
occurring in the country.
``The key things we are looking on is empowering communities
to be able to own their own health,” says health Advisor Sylvia
Khamati. In Addition the community needs to be able to focus
on issues around health seeking behavior, health services
and demand and advocate for the same from the relevant
authorities for them to be able to access health services. The
health sector partners also need to look at how we can support
the roles of the key government, policies around health access,
access to medical services, access to information on health so
that our people in the country can be able to make decisions
around their health seeking behavior.
``The key things we are looking
on is empowering communities to
be able to own their own health,”
“One other major health issues our Country has is Maternal,
Newborn and Child Health. We still record very high numbers
of Maternal and Child deaths as a result of issues related to
accessing health facilities”, said KRCS Health Advisor Sylvia
Khamati. She added that culture plays a very critical role in
health related services like delivering at the facility levels,
mothers attending very crucial antenatal care visits, and
reduction of Maternal and Child deaths therefore still remains
a big challenge in the country. ``We are hoping with the
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HEALTH
National:
Non-Communicable
Strategy Launch
HEALTH
Diseases
Described by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon as a “public
health emergency”, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are
already the world’s leading cause of death. The diseases are
estimated to be responsible for over 60% of global mortality
each year with 80% of these deaths occurring in low- and
middle-income settings. In addition, NCDs now contribute to
54% of global Disability-Adjusted Life Years Lost with a majority
of this burden afflicting developing countries In Kenya, NCDs
accounted for an estimated 29% of all mortalities in 2008
i.e. Cardiovascular diseases (12%), Cancer (6%), respiratory
diseases (3%) and diabetes (2%) (KDHS 2008-2009). The
related risk factors e.g. High cholesterol, unhealthy eating
habits, excessive body weight, smoking and excess alcohol
consumption are increasing in Kenya. 24% of women in Kenya
are overweight while 10% are obese. As auxiliary to both
National and County Governments, the Kenya Red Cross (KRCS)
has played and continues to play a key role in ensuring access
to prevention, control, treatment, care and support services
of various Non-communicable diseases in both emergency
and non-emergency contexts. “Today, as we officially launch
the Kenya National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of
Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) 2015-2020, I would like to
extend my congratulations to the Ministry of Health, for the
stewardship and ensuring that the process of the development
of these very key strategic documents has been made a reality.
My sincere gratitude to the Royal government of Denmark and
its citizens for the financial support through the Danish Red
Cross Society.” Said Kenya Red Cross Secretary General, Dr Abbas
Gullet. The multi-sectoral NCD strategy launched on 29th
July 2015 is guided by the principles of life course approach,
equity and human rights among others. The Strategy contains
strategic directions on, policy and legislation development,
health systems strengthening, advocacy, partnership, research
and prevention of risk factors. It additionally details the role of
various NCD stakeholders.”
The community module on prevention and control of NCDs will ensure that initiatives for prevention and control are increasingly
conducted at community level where research has indicated are the “best buys”. “The economic development of a nation heavily
depends on the health of its people. Considering that most of these non-communicable diseases affect individuals at their prime
age, the burden from these diseases is compounded and carries significant financial consequences to individuals, families and
communities at large.” Said Cabinet Secretary for Health James Macharia in his speech.
Kenya has committed itself to the comprehensive WHO global monitoring framework in the global action plan embracing the
voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. This plan aims at reducing mortality from
NCDs by 25% by the year 2025
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HEALTH
MNCH Tudor, Mombasa Project
The European Union has launched in Kenya country wide
initiatives with the main objective being to reduce maternal
and child mortality.
One of the projects is being implemented by Danish Red Cross
together with the Kenya Red Cross Society, Solidarity with
Women in Distress (SOLWODI) and Department of Health as
well as other stakeholders from Mombasa County. This three
year project will address maternal, child health, nutrition and
family planning services in Tudor ward informal settlements in
Mvita constituency, Mombasa.
The estimated results of this initiative include:
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Improved knowledge, attitude and practice regarding
maternal and child health amongst target population in
Tudor slums.
Educating mothers with new born and children under
five years to improve knowledge, attitude and practice of
nutritional preventive actions.
Improved awareness of sexual and reproductive health
and uptake of family planning.
Enhanced capacity of civil society organizations to identify
health needs and to organize and represent urban slum
communities for improving health care service delivery.
HEALTH
Isolo: Garbatula District Hospital Theatre and Sericho Health Facility Handover To Isiolo County
Government
On 16th August 2015, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS),
Japanese Red Cross and Isiolo County Government
commissioned and handed over Garbatulla District Hospital
operating theatre and Sericho facility to the County. During
the commissioning Health Advisor Sylvia Khamati said that
through the Japanese Red cross, the National Society has
been supporting Isiolo County with different projects like
the Integrated Health Outreach Project (IHOP), Health Policy
Advocacy (PATH) Water and Sanitation, Water for Livestock
project and Partner for resilience (PFR) among others. Present
during the commissioning was the Isiolo County Governor Hon,
Godana Doyo. During the handing over and commissioning of
these two key facilities that is Garbatulla Sub-County Hospital
Operating Theatre (Construction, Renovation and Equipment)
and Sericho facility, Sylvia also noted that the projects were
not only supported by the Japanese Red Cross but also the
people of Japan and Constinuency Development Fund (CDF).
``It is our hope and belief that the intended purpose of these
facilities will be fully achieved as envisaged, `` Said Sylvia
Khamati. Isiolo County Govenor, Hon. Godana during the
launch said that the theatre being one of the model facilities
in the area is a key asset to the region, the County at large
and its environs. Godana thanked the Kenya Red Cross for the
big support. Having worked with Red Cross for about many
years with on various projects in Isiolo County, the Japanese
Regional Delegate Maki Igarashi thanked the partners and
Garba Community for jointly working together to ensure
the community can access health facilities. ``Now expectant
mothers can be in a position to deliver within the Garbatulla
Sub-county,`` Said Japanese Maki Igarashi . Maki also added
that she wished to ensure the the facility operates and Garba
community can now access the services. Maki who was named
``Dansoye`` (beautiful lady) thanked the community members
``Galatoma, Waqi Isan walin jiratu means Thanks, God Bless
you.. Garba community.
Some of the major activities undertaken by this project
include, training community health workers, community
health extension workers and volunteers on key maternal,
new born, child health and sexual and reproductive health
issues. The project will also conduct community health
sensitization sessions, peer education sessions and facilitate
mother to mother support groups. Adults and adolescents will
be educated about benefits of ante and post natal care and
skilled attendance at deliveries. Caregivers will be educated on
maternal, infant and young child nutrition through home visits
and outreach activities.
Finally, capacity building of local authorities and other
stakeholders on advocacy, gender equality and rights-based
approaches will be supported.
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SECTION
HEALTH
TITLE
COURSES OFFERED BY KENYA RED CROSS TRAINING SCHOOL
EMT- Paramedic training (Duration 14 Months)
On qualification the Paramedic will be the most highly trained in the class of EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). The Paramedics
works as the team leader of an emergency team in the pre-hospital care and operations. They are able to assess the urgent medical needs
of a victim, provide life-saving medications and stabilize their conditions en route to hospitals for more definitive attention. They are also
responsible for making legal and moral decisions concerning emergency care, hence bridging the gap that exists in management from
the scene of an incident to a hospital.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (Duration 4 Months)
This is one of a series of courses making up the Kenya Red Cross EMS training program for pre-hospital care. It is a certificate course that
equips the holder with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to offer emergency medical assistance in the pre- hospital settings.
Kenya Red Cross Training School offers the following courses as well.
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Occupational First Aid
Fire safety management
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Advance Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Disaster Risk Management
Disaster Preparedness
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Baby Minder
First Responder
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Fire Marshal
Occupational Safety and Health
Mass Casualty Courses
Health Emergencies in Large Populations
Leadership Courses
Personal Safety and Security in the field
Mentorship for Nurses
ECG and Pathophysiology for Nurses
Basic First Aid
Honored with the Measles Rubella Initiative
Championship Award
The Kenya Red Cross Society received the Measles Rubella
Initiative (MRI) Champions award during the 14th Annual
Partners Meeting for Measles and Rubella Initiative in
Washington DC on 14th September 2015 at the American
Red Cross offices. The Kenya Red Cross was recognized for
the amazing work it does with Community Volunteers during
measles Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), response
to measles outbreaks and KRCS’ work in routine immunization.
In the meeting were key actors in the field of MRI such as
UNICEF, WHO, CDC, Canadian Red Cross, IFRC and they all
noted that the work of the Kenya Red Cross in reaching the
last child towards elimination of measles and Rubella is highly
noticeable and appreciated. This is the very first time a party
within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has received this
award.
Note: we tailor make the contents and courses to meet your demand.
COMING SOON
Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing (KRN) – (Duration 3 Years)
The KRN from Kenya Red Cross will be a unique a product. Learning is holistic. We learn all the time, many times unconsciously. Learners
tend to be what surrounds them. A KRN graduate from KRCS will have been brought up in a humanitarian service setting, with the core
principles and values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement inculcated in them. They will therefore voluntarily lend themselves to
service and respect to humanity and unreservedly respond to emergencies of any nature.
For more information and to obtain application forms visit our
Website: https://www.redcross.or.ke/ or http://www.icha.net/ Or write to: [email protected] Tel: 254.705.464.722
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NATIONAL:
EAST/WEST POKOT AND MARAKWET DROUGHT RECOVERY PROJECT
WATER AND
SANITATION
East/West Pokot
Marakwet
D
isaster Response is the most recognised function of the
Kenya Red Cross Society, but our work and mandate is
to alleviate human suffering which involves much more
and Tot-Kolowa is just one example of the 22 other projects the
Kenya Red Cross Society is implementing countrywide.
The project features a 500-acre farm, fully developed with
sprinkler irrigation infrastructure. Further, a 9.6 km of pipeline
with an intake from Embobut River was built. The targeted area
has been practicing smallscale irrigation using the furrowed
water from streams from Embobut Forest on Cherangani
escarpment. The Kenya Red Cross Society was honoured to
have His Excellency the Deputy President William Ruto to
witness and commission the Tot-Kolowa Drought Intervention
Project on Friday July 31st 2015. This project is part of Kenya
Red Cross’ long term strategy of mitigating the impacts of
drought by investing in resilience building through mid – to
- long term livelihood strengthening initiatives that contribute
to better adaptation to the effects of drought, diversification of
livelihoods to increase levels of household income and health
promotion/disease prevention. This project was made possible
with partnership from both Marakwet and Baringo County
Governments. The Marakwet and Pokot communities have
a long history of in-fighting. However working with the local
leadership namely the National Society was able to bring the
two communities together to sign a historic peace agreement
and agree to share water as a common resource.
Kimang’ora Primary School VIP Latrines &
Rainwater Harvesting Construction
Background Information:
The school is located on a half an acre plot of land. The
school was started in November 2013 by the community of
Kimang’ora. The reason for starting the schools was due to
the fact the pupils had to cross the busy main road exposing
the pupils to the danger of being knocked down by vehicles,
long distance to other schools, cold weather as the areas is
located on the highland area and long wet season making the
foot paths and access roads very muddy. In August 2014, it
was registered by Ministry of Education. The school started
with ECD class, standard 1 to standard 3, a total of 78 pupils.
These pupil were learning at Kiplokyi Primary Schools which is
4km away from Kimang’ora Primary. Kiplokyi Primary donated
timber and iron sheets for construction of Classrooms including
a senior teacher to manage the school. In September 2014, a
head teacher was posed to the schools by TSC. There are now
7 classroom housing standard one to standard six including
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WATSAN
the ECD class. The school total enrolment is 240 students
made up of 105 boys and 135girls with a teaching staff of 8
(5 male & 3 female) teachers including the head teacher. The
enrolment has grown from 78 pupils in 2013 to 132 in 2014 to
240 pupils in 2015. The schools had one latrines for boys being
shared by male teachers and 2 latrines for girls shared also by
female teachers. There was no safe water for drinking, cleaning
or for cooking.
Project Activities:
The school was unidentified to be included in the list of 10
schools selected for the roll out of the WASH activity through
a thorough selection process which involved the ministry of
education and County administration. Field assessment was
conducted by BIDP staff to verify the information given. The
planned activity included, menstrual hygiene management
programme, school led total sanitation, construction of 5 door
latrine for boys and same for girls and rainwater harvesting
system which composed of 25000 litres water storage tank
(masonry) and guttering system, 2 hand washing facilities,
introduction of hand washing to pupils and establishment of
school health club
5 door VIP latrine block for girls constructed to serve 135
girls and 5 door VIP latrine block to serve 105 boys were
constructed, both latrines with walls written with hygiene
messages. 25m3 masonry storage tank connected with
guttering system completed and is now serving 240 pupils
with safe water for drinking, cleaning, person hygiene (hand
washing) and cooking. The tanks is three quarter fully with
harvested rainwater.
WATSAN
formed with 40 pupils (20 boys & 20 girls) who are now
inducting other pupils on hygiene promotion in school.
Facilities handover ceremony:
The facilities were handed over to school through a
ceremony that was graced by The Governor of Bomet County
accompanied by area MCA, CEC for Education, CEC Public
and Environment, Directors form Ministry of Health, Water &
Irrigation, Administrators from various Wards and other guests.
CGB of Bomet has donated Kshs 500,000 for construction of
permanent classrooms and more funds are being raised to
add more land for the expansion of the schools. The Governor
praised the relationship between KRCS and CGB and it is due
to this cooperation that BIDP was conceived. He highlighted
the good services that the KRCS ambulances are playing in
offering the emergency services within the county. He was
happy that the VIP latrines structure that were put up were
permeant structures as they can be converted from pits latrines
into water borne latrines. He said in future, all the latrines
will be water borne and a septic tanks will be built to avoid
contamination of the ground water by pit latrines. He stress
importance of hygiene promotion in the County to reduce the
diarrhoeal diseases and he instructed the CEC Public health
and Environment that all the market centres must have water
borne latrines for use by the public.
ORGANISATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
1. Youth Programme
2. Youth Mentorship
3. Nairobi: Jigger Staircase Relay 2015
The 2 teachers were trained on Menstrual Hygiene
Management, formation and management of school health
club and handwashing process. The schools club has been
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ORGANISATIONAL
ORGANISATIONAL
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Youth Mentorship
YOUTH PROGRAMME
As part of youth mentor-ship and support to learning, the Mount Kenya University Chapter leader visited the Kenya Red Cross
Society (KRCS) headquarters for learning visit on Tuesday 14th July 2015. During their visit, KRCS staff took them through the
different roles each unit plays within the Society
National: Youth Governance Training
The Kenya Red Cross Society Youth Governance Training for
youth leaders from three regions took place on the 15th -16th
July 2015 at the Boma Inn Nairobi.
During the training, the youth had a chance to engage with
leaders in discussing different practical work scenarios which
will help them work at their different branches.
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ORGANISATIONAL
ORGANISATIONAL
SECTION TITLE
10. KRCS Nyeri County Manager Wangeci during blodd donation at
Whispers Park Nyeri
Celebrating
11. Dissemination team
50 Years
12. Nyeri Youth chair with a young street boy as a new member of Red
Cross
of Kenya Red Cross
13. During membership drive at Nyeri county
1
14. Young youth at Nyeri Branch
2
15. Entertainment at Nyeri during 50 for 50 campaign
16. Entertainment at Nyeri during 50 for 50 campaign
17. Selfie at Nyeri Branch
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18. Smiling faces during 50 for 50 campaign
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3
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12
4
9
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5
1. KRCS team dancing during
@Merutechnical Institute
kids
15 16
festival
2. Churchil receives KRCs Tshirt
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3. Churchil receives Redcross badge as a member
4. KRCS Team planting tree with Churchil
5. KRCS Volunteers perfoming at Kiki kids festival,
TRM 2
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6. KRCS Youth member
7. KRCS Youth members signed up
8. Walk Flag off at Nyeri Branch Boma Inn
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9. Membership drive at Nyeri Branch, Whisper
Garden
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ORGANISATIONAL
ORGANISATIONAL
Trans Nzoia County Beauty Contest
In line with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Youth
programme, which seeks to promote the development of a
well-equipped youth by enhancing empowerment through
inclusive participation, the Trans Nzoia Branch held a youth
beauty contest on Saturday 22nd August 2015 at the Hotel
Aturukan, Kitale Town. Hon. Eugene Wamalwa – Minister Water
and Irrigation as the Chief Guest, graced the event.
The contest event was geared towards empowering the
youths, promoting talent and mentorship against violence.
The theme of the event is building a community resilient to
recruitment and radicalization to violence”.
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In attendance; was Her Excellency; Rose Khaemba – The First
Lady Trans Nzoia County who expressed gratitude for the
communities and asserted that the county will use culture to
promote tourism as a source of income in a bid to spur the
local economic growth hence improve on livelihoods of the
local residents. Additionally, she thanked the Kenya Red Cross
for coming up with the peer mentorship programme for
youths and pledged to support such initiatives that are geared
towards fostering, Peace harmony and unity at community
level and most importantly the role this plays in youth
empowerment.
During the event the Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation
Eugene Wamalwa said that it’s high time to involve youth in
various activities to ensure that they have natured their talents.
Touching on drugs Wamalwa emphasized that the youth need
to be enlightened on drug abuse to ensure that the country
has productive youth who can come up with ideas and
innovate things for the country to match with new technology.
Wamalwa also gave a word of advise to all counties to engage
Red Cross as partners to various county activities.
The KRCS Trans Nzoia County Manager Velma Nyapera
encouraged the youth to register as members and engage
themselves in various activities of the Red Cross not only in
Trans Nzoia but also countrywide. In Addition, Nyapera noted
that KRCS gives many chances for the youth to explore their
talents, passion and experience. She concluded by thanking
the County Government, youth volunteers and KRCS Youth
and Volunteer office for the big support to ensure that the
event was successful.
The crowned Mr. and Miss Red Cross Trans Nzoia County
now as ambassadors of Red Cross they`ll involve themselves
in various activities like visiting children’s home, clean ups,
enlightening fellow youths on drug abuse, building peace and
conflict resolutions and mentor youth to get involved in Red
Cross activities.
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ORGANISATIONAL
Nairobi: Jigger Staircase Relay 2015
An anti-jigger campaign was organized by Ahadi Trust in partnership with SportPesa, The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and
other organizations with the main objective of fighting jigger menace in different parts of the country. The campaign was to
enlighten the public about jigger infestation through sports competition. KRCS Nairobi Branch emerged as 1st runners up in the
competition and were awarded a certificate and trophy. The 4th Annual Jiggers Staircase Relay event was held on Saturday 15th
August 2015 at the Kenya International Convention Centre (K.I.C.C ).
DISASTER
MANAGEMENT
Trans Nzoia: Promoting Peace and Togetherness
The Kenya Red Cross Trans Nzoia branch has continued working closely with the Indian Community in a campaign to promote
peace and togetherness within the county. The community visited all the hospital wards accompanied by Red Cross volunteers
eager to serve the overjoyed patients who expressed their innermost gratitude. “We are committed to giving back to the society
as the Asian community living in this county as we look forward to promoting peace and togetherness during this period,” Eng
Rao affirmed.
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Challenge Awards
DISASTER
Annual
Awards
DISASTER
Total
Eco
Challenge
Magarini: Bombi Livelihood Project
Launched
The Kenya Red Cross Society was recognised
at the 14th Annual Total Eco Challenge
Awards, that took place on Wednesday 23rd
September 2015 at the Carnivore Simba
Salon. Mwanamuna and Faiza from KRCS
Kwale County, Kinango sub - County which
constitutes of 7 wards were recognized
as Tree Ambassadors for the fantastic
environmental work they have been doing
specifically, planting trees. The Kwale Team
started planting trees in October 2011. About
383,918 Forest Trees had been planted by
August2015. They also planted 75,000 Fruit
trees between January and August 2015. The
people of Kinango,Kwale County resolved to
Tree planting in light of the dry conditions
in that area, caused by deforestation from
residents burning charcoal and cutting
down trees for sale (Timber). Stake Holder
efforts (Kwale County Government,WFP,and
Green World Campaign) have worked to
see the implementation of the Tree Planting
Programme rolled out in schools, Churches,
mosques, Hospitals and also Homesteads to
help curb drought and boost Food Security.
American Red Cross Visits KRCS
The Bombi livelihood project was launched on 18th
June, 2015. Bombi livelihood project is premised
on providing sustainable livelihood alternatives to
poor inhabitants of Bombi, Magarini Constituency
in Kilifi County. The project will provide irrigation
infrastructure, training in crop diversification and
capacity building in cooperative management. The
project will support more than 100 households in
achieving optimum production and support their
income. This will enhance the enrollment of school
going children and protect girls from early marriages.
This project seeks to improve nutritional, health and
hygienic standards of people.
American Red Cross International Services
& Operations team of Senior Vice President
Harold Brooks and other headquarter and
field based Directors team was in Nairobi,
the whole week of August 22nd to 29th
2015, for Strategic discussions and meetings
As part of the itinerary, the group met with
Secretary General and the leadership team
of Kenya Red Cross and equally met with
other strategic partners to focus on strategic
planning throughout the week. The team
also had a chance to visit various KRCS field
projects in Mukuru kwa Njenga and Machakos
County on Thursday and Friday respectively.
In Mkuru kwa Njenga,they had a chance
visit Community Disaster Response Teams
(CDRTs) who elaborated how they prepare
and effectively respond to fire incidents in the
informal settlements.
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Nairobi: MSF II Alliance Marketplace
As one of the Alliance Partner Organisation, the Kenya
Red Cross Society (KRCS) was represented by Suada
Ibrahim at the MSF II Alliance Marketplace event at
Crowne Plaze on 15th July 2015. The event offered
a platform to share ideas and experience among
members. During the event, community members
from Tana Delta and Kajiado who are beneficiaries
of the Alliance shared their experiences through
documentaries aired. Apart from sharing experiences,
alliance members have network sessions whereby
invited guests visited booths and interacted with
members to learn more, ask questions and exchange
materials.
Some of the guests in attendances included Noeke
Ruiter from the Dutch Embassy, Jennie van de weerd
(PfP), Dr. Kepha Ombacho Director of Public Health
among others.
Nairobi: Risk Factor Training
The Kenya Red Cross Society, in partnership with Kibo
Africa Ltd has been facilitating a road safety risk factor
training for Boda Boda riders between 29th and 31st
July 2015. Through this training, participants were
made aware of road crash statistics worldwide and
specifically in Kenya. In addition, the training also
sought to improve the understanding of the speed
cameras erected on Kenyan roads and the importance
and science behind the helmet as a safety measure.
Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT
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DISASTER
Nairobi: Fire Safety Week
Under the Urban Disaster Risk Reduction Program, the Kenya Red Cross Society and its partners trains communities on fire
prevention and basic fire response skills. With these skills, communities are able to take charge of minor incidents and summon
specialised assistance in good time. While the fires have not completely been eradicated, the project has earned credit from the
beneficiary community who have acknowledged significant reduction in fire incidents in the slums and quick response from
the fire brigade and other stakeholders during emergencies. Some of the successes that can be highlighted are: the increased
awareness by communities of Fire brigade emergency numbers, increased support and safety of fire responders at the villages
in the informal settlements and the initiative by the Fire Fighters Forum (FFF) that has continued to sustain its focus and growth.
During this year’s Fire Safety Week there were various fire safety campaigns in Nairobi city centre as well as the residential areas
between August 3rd and 6th, 2015.
DISASTER
OPERATIONS
1. Daadab
2. Mandera
3. Mwingi
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DISASTER
Development Leaders Visit Dadaab
DISASTER
Using Film to Raise Sexual and Gender Based
Violence Awareness
Omar Sheikh Mohamed, Managing director of Ewaso Ng’iro
Development Authority, Senior Adviser Rev. Dr. Samuel
Kobia and Mukhtar Ogle, Secretary (Strategic Initiatives and
Development of Arid/SemiArid Regions) both from the
Executive Office of the Presidency visited Dadaab on 7th
September 2015. Accompanied by the Kenya Red Cross Society
(KRCS) Secretary General, Dr. Abbas Gullet, toured some of the
organization’s projects including the KRCS level five hospital in
IFO2 that serves as the main referral hospital for refugees and
the host community in Dadaab. The delegatioin at a borehole
in Dadaab IFO2 Camp Senior Adviser Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia at
the KRCS maize farm, Dadaab
National: Mandera Attack Response
Heavy explosion and gunfire was reported in Mandera on
the morning of 7th July 2015 at around 0215hrs near Soko
la Mbuzi (Goats Market) in Mandera County, North East
Kenya. It is reported that a group of armed men attacked a
residential premise occupied mainly by quarry workers and
local construction workers killing 11 people at the scene of the
attack using hand grenades and firearms. Three (3) more people
are reported to have died while undergoing treatment at the
Mandera level 4 Hospital where they had been transferred.
Likewise 11 survivors with varying degrees of injuries five of
them critically injured, received treatment in Mandera level 4
Hospital.
The Kenya Red Cross Society’s Sexual and Gender Based
Violence (SGBV) Department with, support from Film Aid, held
a video screening for refugee block and religious leaders in Ifo
2 on 16th September 2015.
The aim was to raise awareness about SGBV, why it happens,
and its negative consequences for women, men, children, and
the community by showing a topical video. The screening was
followed by an interactive discussion with the leaders on how
they can stop violence against women and girls. Also discussed
was the issue of early and forced marriage and its effect on
the community. The approach was not to tell community
members what to think but to provoke discussion, challenge
accepted thinking, and introduce a gender-based analysis
for understanding domestic violence. After the forum, many
leaders expressed concern that their children would grow up
without an education if they married early, leaving them with
fewer opportunities in life.
The SGBV department plans to continue these video sessions
every week to engage, convince, and inspire community
members and leaders.
The Kenya Red Cross society (KRCS) in response towards
the situation supported in evacuating the injured and the
deceased bodies to Mandera Hospital. Tracing team contacted
the families of the survivors who were still admitted in hospital.
In addition one plane with a team of 6 personnel (4 paramedic,
1 doctors and 1 Emergency operation centre officer) was
deployed to Mandera on early hours of 7th July 2015, to
evacuate the critically injured victims.
National: Mandera Attack Response Equally, a team of
paramedics with 8 ambulances has been organized to transfer
the injured on arrival from Wilson airport to Kenyatta National
Hospital in Nairobi.
Also visited was the newly opened Ifo 2 green belt that is
situated on “Forest Road,” named after the forest that once
existed there. To open the new green belt, Red Cross staff and
the refugee community planted over 200 trees. Mr. Mohamed,
Rev. Kobia, Mr. Ogle, and Dr. Gullet also participated by planting
trees at both the green belt and KRCS’s 4-acre farm where KRCS
has an integrated food security livelihood project.
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Two planes were also dispatched by the National Disaster
Operations Centre (NDOC) (Under the Ministry of Interior and
Coordination of National Government) to transport the injured
and the other one to ferry the deceased bodies from Mandera
to Nairobi.
Moreover a team of counsellors were also mobilized to provide
psychological first aid, emotional support and tracing services
to family members, friends and relatives of the deceased,
and survivors both in Nairobi and Mandera. Currently all the
13 deceased bodies have been positively identified, with 8
casualties still admitted at Kenyatta Hospital. The government
(NDOC & NDMU) has suspended all the activities till Monday
12th July 2015 as they are finalizing on the forensic tests.
Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT
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DISASTER
Nairobi: Pan-Africa Conference on
Psychotrauma
SECTION
DISASTER
TITLE
The Kenya Red Cross Society Sexual and Gender Based
Violence (SGBV) team has concluded a five week interactive
session on Engaging Men in Accountable Practice (EMAP) with
refugee women and girls from Ifo 2 refugee camp, Dadaab The
main aim of the sessions was to hear these women’s voices
regarding their experiences with violence and to also come up
with solutions that will inform men on ways to stop violence
against women and girls. The KRCS SGBV department will soon
engage men in another 8 week interactive session which will
be informed by findings from the women session.
RISK AND HAZARD
BULLETIN
Quarterly Highlights
•
The devastating effects of the cholera outbreaks and
resulting increase in fatalities continued to be felt across
the country. The number of fatalities increased by 47% (89
as of last quarter to 131 this quarter).
A total of 210 road traffic accidents were reported during
the quarter contributing to 113 fatalities and 763 injuries.
A significant number of fire incidents were witnessed in
the country affecting mainly informal settlements in urban
areas. During the quarter, a total of 70 fire incidents were
reported to the EOC resulting into 6 fatalities, 108 injuries
and damage to 772 HHs and 26 business stalls.
Rainfall performance of the October-December 2015
season to be driven by the evolving El Nino conditions
coupled with the warning of the sea surface temperatures
in the western equatorial Indian Ocean adjacent to the
East African Coastlines.
•
•
The Peter C. Alderman Foundation (PCAF) Pan-Africa
Conference on Psychotrauma is the region’s only multidisciplinary conference on psychological trauma in waraffected societies. Designed for healthcare professionals,
postgraduate students, university faculty and representatives
from mental health-related NGOs in Africa, this year’s theme
is “Trauma and mental health across the lifespan”. Kenya Red
Cross was represented by Venant Ndighila, KRCS Search and
Rescue Manager, where he presented the importance of using
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Protocol in dealing with trauma
in emergency situations.
Dadaab: Engaging Men in Accountable
Practice Training
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•
July – September 2015 in Figures
Dadaab: Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgical
Camp.
Little Muna has a
nose and throat
illness and is about
to be operated
on. The Kenya
Red Cross Society
with
support
from UNHCR has
from
Monday,
24th August 2015,
organised a five
day
Ear,
Nose
and Throat (ENT)
surgical camp. The ENT camp is meant to benefit patients
from all the five Dadaab camps as well as the surrounding host
community. 170 patients have already been screened, with 57
of them booked for surgery
7,744 People reached with cholera prevention strategies
42 Technical staffs activated and deployed to support
ongoing cholera outbreak interventions in
1,000 Fire sensors procured and installed in Mukuru Fuata
Nyayo A in Nairobi
45% Likelihood of above normal rainfall for the OctoberDecember 2015 rains season
100 Community Volunteers trained using Epidemic Control
for Volunteers manual
5,000IEC materials with cholera prevention messages
designed and distributed to community members
Occurrence and Impacts of Major Hazards in the Quarter
Cholera Outbreak Situation (as of 25th September 2015)
Every year, 3-5 million people around the world are infected
with cholera and 100,000-120,000 people die from the
infectious disease, according to estimates by the World Health
Organization (WHO). The first pandemic was in 1817 when the
disease first spread from the Ganges Delta in India to the rest
of the world. Since then, millions of people have been affected
by the disease. Kenya has experienced a number of outbreaks
with the two largest pandemics being 1997 (33,000 cases)
and in 2009 (11,769 cases). According to the cholera outbreak
situation report as of 25th September 2015, 6793 cases have so
far been reported across 21 counties, 705 of which have been
confirmed. Total fatalities currently stands at 131 (CFR 1.9%) up
from 89 reported in the previous quarter. To date, 8 counties
still have active outbreaks with 15 current hospital admissions
in Wajir County. A noteworthy is the fact that the predicted El
Nino conditions will exacerbate (‘Turbo Charge’) the already
persistent outbreak resulting into severe health implications.
This alarming increase in cholera cases and fatalities therefore
calls for accelerated health education sessions targeting
community members on safe excreta disposal as well as
hygiene and water quality interventions at points of use, the
same will have to be integrated into the planned El Nino
response operations.
Quarter 2
Total Cases - 4781
Fatalities - 89
Quarter 3
Total Cases - 6793
Fatalities - 131
Counties Affected - 16
Counties Affected - 21
Source: Disease Surveillance & Outbreak Response Unit – MOH, Kenya
Road Traffic Accidents
In this quarter, 210 road traffic accidents were reported at KRCS
Emergency Operation Centre, as a result, 113 lives were lost
while another 763 people sustained both minor and serious
injuries. Compared to the same quarter in 2014, the number of
accidents rose by 27% (165 to 210 incidents). This year saw the
number of fatalities rise by 21% (93 to 113) while road traffic
related injuries for the same period increased by 29% (590 last
year to 763 in 2015). A significant number of accidents occurred
in the evenings and afternoons and tended to reduce late into
the night and early mornings. Most accidents also tended to
occur on weekends starting from Fridays through to Sundays.
An attributable factor to this could be after-effect of social
drinking (where people had to party till late in the evening)
and end up driving under the influence of alcohol and poor
visibility further compounding the risk.
Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT
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SECTION TITLE
DISASTER
Fire Incidents
Fire burns rank among the leading contributors of high
mortality and morbidity rates worldwide and are among
the most devastating of all injuries with outcomes spanning
the spectrum from physical impairments and disabilities to
emotional and mental consequences. Fire hazards erode
whatever attempts have been made to accumulate resources
and savings, progressively increasing the vulnerability of
households to the effects of hazards over time. The country’s
urban informal settlements were among the worst hit areas by
the frequent fire incidents reported during the quarter. A total
of 70 fire incidents were reported to the EOC contributing to 6
fatalities, 108 injuries and damage to 772 HHs and 26 business
stalls. To this end, the drawbacks in fire disaster prevention in
most municipalities in Kenya have been found to include lack
of fire engines, inadequate equipment, insufficient personnel
with inadequate training and firefighting facilities.
Kenya Red Cross Society Interventions
•
Fire Incidents: Medical evacuation, training and knowledge
development, community based early warning systems
and equipping communities with basic response
equipment. A social media campaign dubbed ‘Innovation
Challenge’ under the hash tag ‘EndSlumFires’ has also
been launched in order to create awareness on how to
prevent slum fires. 1000 fire sensors installed to increase
the lead time during fire response.
Cholera: 50,000 aqua tabs distributed; 3 cholera treatment
centers set up and 29 cholera beds supplied; 42 technical
staffs activated and deployed in Baringo, Wajir, Migori
and Siaya; 100 community volunteers trained on cholera
prevention and control using the Epidemic Control for
Volunteers manual
Road Traffic Accidents: KRCS provided first aid services to
the casualties, medical evacuation to those who sustained
serious ijuries and needed further treatment as well as
tracing services in an effort to restore the family links.
•
•
KRCS El Nino Preparedness and Response Plan
Past experiences have shown that El Nino conditions tend
to cause flooding in coastal and western Kenya resulting in
property destruction and loss of lives. In 2007, contingency
planning gaps were evident which then necessitated KRCS to
seek external support during the actual response.
Predictions vs Outcome
In 2009, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a
forecast that was mirrored by the actual rainfall witnessed in
the country as illustrated by the maps below. Going by this
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observed trend, the 2015 prediction is likely to result in above
normal rainfall hence the need to plan effectively.
El Nino Implications
El Nino conditions are expected to result in both positive
and negative impacts for different sectors and areas in
Kenya. This will include loss of lives, damage to infrastructure,
property destruction, disease outbreaks in livestock and
human populations, mass displacements and disruptions of
livelihoods. The expected positive impacts would mainly be
improved harvest in Lower Eastern and increased cash crops
and milk production in Central regions. In view of this, KRCS is
putting in place adequate preparations to avoid the negative
impacts while at the same time taking full advantage of the
positive impacts anticipated in case of enhanced rainfall.
Scenario Mapping
Best case Scenario - Localized seasonal flooding in traditional
flooding areas, along River Tana, River Nzoia, Athi River and
River Nyando resulting in destruction of crops and damage to
housing. Up to 20,000 people (3,300 HHs) to be affected and
temporarily displaced.
Moderate Scenario - Above normal rains in many parts of
the country resulting in flash floods and surface run-offs,
significant destruction of infrastructure, livelihoods disruption
and disease epidemics. Up to 250,000 people (41,000 HHs) to
be affected in urban and rural settings.
Worst case Scenario - Intense rainfall resulting in severe
flooding in many parts of the country, mass displacement of
populations, disease epidemics, disruption of infrastructure
and significant disruption of livelihoods. More than 250,000
people are directly affected and over 1,000,000 people
indirectly affected
Disaggregated data for target groups
During the El Nino contingency planning, KRCS has considered
key factors and other social vulnerability aspects such as age,
gender and diversity in planning for specific interventions. It is
anticipated that out of the total population at risk to flooding,
the proportion of vulnerable groups will be as follows; 16.3%
(Under-fives), 3.8% (Expectant mothers), 2.8% (Lactating
mothers), 10% (Elderly), 5.6% (People with disabilities), and
4.6% (People living with HIV/AIDS).
KRCS is already implementing the following Pre-El Nino
activities; surveillance and creation of community awareness,
staff and volunteer mobilization, refresher trainings for response
teams as well as procurement and preposition of relief items.
From an external coordination perspective, KRCS is working in
partnership with both National and County governments, UN
Agencies, DFID, ECHO, OFDA, Partner National Societies, IFRC,
ICRC among others.
GLOBAL FUND
Nairobi Medically Assisted Therapy Launch
GLOBAL FUND
GLOBAL FUND
KRCS-GLOBAL FUND
NAIROBI MEDICALLY ASSISTED THERAPY LAUNCH
(By: Drocas Ngure)
INTERNATIONAL
CENTRE FOR
HUMANITARIAN
AFFAIRS (ICHA)
T
he KRCS-Global Fund Program joined other key
stakeholders in the National Launch of the Medically
Assisted Therapy (MAT) treatment program to help
people who inject drugs (PWIDs) reduce or stop injecting,
decrease risks to their health, and return to productive lives
on 19th August 2015: KRCS-Global Fund Program supports a
comprehensive package of interventions for prevention and
treatment for People Who Inject Drugs with 3 core preventive
interventions specific to HIV prevention among IDUs including
community based outreach, needle syringe programs, and
medication assisted treatment. In Kenya, an estimated 18,000
people are regularly addicted to heroin and other opiates.
Raising Awareness of Police Officers on Gender
Based Violence, and HIV
On 23rd September, 2015 Kenya Red Cross facilitated a post
rape care sensitization training for 25 Nairobi County Police
Officers at the Boma Hotel Nairobi.
According to statistics from the Gender Violence Recovery
Centre (GVRC), 45% of women between ages 15 – 49 in
Kenya have experienced either physical or sexual violence
with women and girls accounting for 90% of the gender
based violence (GBV) cases reported. One in five Kenyan
women (21%) has experienced sexual violence. Most of these
cases often go unreported due to our cultural believes that
domestic violence is a private matter that is best dealt with by
a husband and wife at home. The Kenya Police face criticism
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from gender activists for its alleged failure to act on reported
sexual violence; the training sought to equip the Police on post
rape care information to protect women and girls affected by
this violence.
A highlight of the workshop was the introduction of sex
workers, people who inject drugs and MSM to the police
officers in efforts to break the barrier between the Police
and Key Populations to end discrimination, stigma and social
exclusion of key population within the society.
Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT
37
ICHA
ICHA
In order to change how we respond to humanitarian issues we
need a different architecture of formal humanitarian aid.
VISIT OF YVES
DACCORD
1.
Director General – ICRC (By Rita W. Nyaga, Department of Economic Security,
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Somalia Delegation)
Y
ves Daccord, the Director General of the International
Committee of the Red Cross was in Nairobi on 20
– 22 May 2015 to attend the Inter Agency Steering
Committee meeting (IASC). He visited the Kenya Red Cross on
22nd June 2015 and shared insights about the meeting and
the future he foresees for the movement.
There’s no political convergence at the international level
to deal with conflict, and this means that there’s no political
solution foreseen in the coming months. In the meantime,
States on their own are not able to find solutions dealing with
global issues like migration, economic crisis, violence, climate
change and this is resulting in a tendency to contain the crisis.
Contain the migrant, contain the pandemia Ebola, contain the
poor and even contain the conflict. And this is seen in military
as well as security strategies.
Trust is rare between communities, people and institutions.
Because we are trusted as a movement, we must learn to prove
and demonstrate the Red Cross values every day in our work.
We live in a global world that is very fragmented. Global in
the sense that we have the ability to connect with each other
worldwide using technology. We have global figures that are
admired across the world like Messi and Christiano Ronaldo.
We have global work experience among the working class.
But we are fragmented because we still have vulnerable
people in our world like the prisoners. When we look at the
revolutions that took place in Tunisia, Egypt and Syria, we see
revolutions that began with no leader. Young, educated minds
came together, connected and moved the masses to action.
These kind of people will have different requests from the Red
Cross or the international community and their suffering can
be alleviated.
We realize that there’s a gap across the world between
humanitarian needs of people and the response from all
actors doing humanitarian work. Informal humanitarian aid
does exist and cannot be ignored. In Somalia, the diaspora has
played a critical role in the last decade by sending remittances
which help alleviate suffering. In Syria and Iraq remittances
from the diaspora are very important for families.
The question of development and
humanitarian aid.
When emergencies happen, we see systems that are already
weak being shaken by lack of investment and by issues of
governance. This has happened in South Sudan and Nepal. In
Somalia and Yemen, we see long lasting conflict with systems
which are already shaken, and this leaves citizens with multiple
pressure.
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We need a good mix between tradition and innovation
as a movement. The principles of the Red Cross are
central because they enable us to speak in one language
which we can understand. We need to demonstrate
these principles every day because if one of us fails, the
price will be for all of us. We must manage our programs
smartly.
2. Proximity. We need to have close human proximity
to the people affected by war, by crisis, by economic
problems, and by natural disaster. We must maintain
physical proximity by being present, assessing their
needs and provide mental proximity through education.
When we connect we stay closely related. We are able
to build legitimacy to engage stakeholders. Not just
governments, but also non state actors, because as a
movement we have the responsibility to engage with
these groups.
3. We have been present and able to intervene and
in the last global crisis all over the world, and this is
impressive. In a fragmented world, we cannot just
centralize risk management. We need to de-centralize
risk management by encouraging devolution of
responsibilities and resource mobilization as we continue
to engage ourselves on the spot.
4. Collaboration and coordination. Whatever we build
should be able to help us achieve this decentralization,
we should find new solutions before they are imposed on
us. People’s competencies and expertise have to be built
and then used and with flexibity in mind in the field.
The future – one great identity.
We must find solutions as a movement which allow each of
us to be at his best. We should be well financed and have
Integrity, Education, Leadership, Quality control systems, which
will in turn enable us have a center of expertise. We need
to ask ourselves how we can share the resources we have
amongst ourselves, so that we always look at the big picture.
Collectively as a movement we can do so much more.
Blog:
Localising humanitarian response can help better meet the
needs of crisis affected people (by Dr. James Kisia and Mr.
Samuel Carpenter, Policy Adviser at British Red Cross and
a member of the World Humanitarian Summit Reducing
Vulnerability and Managing Risk Thematic Team)
Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT
39
ICHA
Local organisations such as National Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies and national NGOs are among the first
responders to disasters and outbreaks of violence. Kenya Red
Cross, for example, was in the forefront of providing assistance
to those critically injured in the al-Shabab attack on Nairobi’s
Westgate Mall in September 2013, and provided medical
evacuations and psychosocial support to the survivors of the
Garissa University attack earlier this year. Coming from among
the affected population, local organisations provide built-in
opportunities for humanitarian action that is not only timely
but also highly relevant to the priorities of those affected.
Local actors are there before, during and after the crisis and
so can help foster coherence between humanitarian action
and sustainable development. They are also there to respond
to the smaller disasters that don’t make the international
headlines. Working with their counterparts in government,
many of which now have increasingly professionalized
disaster management bodies, local organisations can form
part of nationally-led efforts to manage the risk and impact
of disasters. For example, Kenya Red Cross works closely with
the National Drought Management Authority to translate
hazard early warning indicators into early response activities
at the community level.While the role of local organisations
has long been recognized in the major UN General Assembly
Resolution on humanitarian assistance, the Code of Conduct
for the Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief
and the principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship, donors
and international agencies have been slow in taking steps to
make this rhetoric a reality.
A new paper from the Humanitarian Policy Group,
commissioned by the British Red Cross and the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, argues
that national and local actors have been kept at arm’s length by
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SECTION TITLE
the international humanitarian community. National NGOs, for
instance, receive only a tiny portion – estimated at 1.2 per cent
– of international humanitarian funding. Local organisations
have immense potential to help meet the needs of people
affected by conflict and disasters. This is immediately clear
when looking at some of the most high-profile crises of the last
year. The work of the National Red Cross Societies of Guinea,
Liberia and Sierra Leone, facilitating safe and dignified burials
for victims, has been critical in bringing Ebola under control in
West Africa. Whilst, amidst extreme insecurity, the volunteers
of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have played a leading role in
responding to the needs of those affected by the conflict. This
is not to suggest that international humanitarian agencies do
not have a crucial role to play. Local, national and international
actors each offer comparative advantages that apply to
varying extents in different contexts and crises. Indeed, better
meeting the needs of those affected by humanitarian crises
may be more a question of collaborative advantage – the
gains of working effectively in partnership – than competition
over who is best placed to deliver assistance. A more inclusive
and complementary approach to the funding and delivery
of humanitarian aid, however, brings with it a number of
challenges that will have to be grappled with in the run up to
the World Humanitarian Summit.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES (EPLUS)
First, with humanitarian funding growing by over 1,000 per cent
in the last 14 years, donors are keen to write bigger cheques
to a smaller number of large agencies. Honest conversations
and innovative thinking are needed on how to overcome
this understandable risk-aversion, paving the way for gradual
increases in direct funding for national and local actors, and
helping to avoid wasteful subcontracting arrangements. To
be sustainable, however, local organisations also need to raise
funds locally. The Kenyans for Kenya initiative, which brought
in over USD 8.5m in response to the 2011 drought emergency,
is an example ripe for replication. Second, the increasing shift
to local organisations in challenging environments from Syria
to West Africa, can, at times, expose staff and volunteers to
unmitigated risk. Support for strengthening safety and security
management among local actors should therefore be a matter
of urgency. Finally, greater emphasis on the merits of local
organisations should not be seen to undermine the mandate
and work of international actors. The presence and proximity of
international agencies to affected populations remains critical
to their protection and to effective assistance, particularly in
today’s most sensitive conflict situations.
Responsibility for building a common way forward on these
challenges lies with all of us involved – the international
community, affected states and local organisations.
Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT
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ESECTION
P L U S TITLE
SECTION
B OTITLE
MA
Nairobi: My Gratitude
to Red Cross & Eplus
Ambulance Teams
BOMA
(by Diana moraa)
On 25th Dec 2013, John Ngayo
fell into a pit while on vacation at
his home in Siaya and twisted his
spine which led to paralysis. He
was immediately rushed to Siaya
County Referal Hospital and later
transferred to Jaramogi Oginga
Odinga Hospital Kisumu, where
he received treatment. Due to
the complexities of his injury,
John decided to call the Red
Cross to assist in his transfer to
National Spinal Injury Hospital in
Nairobi to get further treatment.
“Having the ambulances on
site, clearing with the hospital
and starting the journey to
Nairobi the hospital took only
45 minutes. The ambulance
was comfortable, the ride was
smooth and the paramedics
very friendly. Sincerely, if were
not for the Red Cross and the
ambulance service, the story
might have been different and I
came personally to to thank the
team and also encourage the
Red Cross to continue the good
Launch of the Boma International Hospitality
Centre
job they are doing”. Currently, John can walk and is grateful to have received excellent
service from the team that attended to him
Nairobi: Eplus Launches a New Product
The Emergency Medical Services (Eplus) on 30th July 2015 launched the first of its kind E+
Premier Capitation for ground and air evacuation. This means that for a standard annual
fee, E-Plus will provide unlimited ground and air evacuation to underwriter clients. This
is an improvement to the current fee-for-service model. This new product is specifically
intended for insurance clientele across the larger Eastern Africa. For more information visit:
http://www.eplus.co.ke/ news-update
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On 3rd July 2015 the Boma Hotels officially Inaugurated the
International Hospitality College in partnership with the
reputable Alpine Center Switzerland, the Swiss Business
School for Hotel & Tourism Management. The Inauguration
was officiated by the outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Kenya
Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud. Alpine Center Switzerland is
privileged to be a partner of Boma international Hospitality
College in jointly launching its state-of-the-art programmes
of study in Kenya, a country that has been renowned for its
dynamic hospitality and tourism industry, an industry that is
the second largest source of foreign exchange revenue in the
country.
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“Switzerland has gained its reputation of being the “birthplace
of hospitality management” a long time ago. People from
all over the world, then and now, still yearn for the “’Swiss
Hospitality Touch,” that is why our curriculum preserves
the basic elements of what good hospitality training and
education must be: flawless accuracy, reliable quality, and
expert leadership” Mr Eric Hofmann, President, Alpine Center
Switzerland.
BOMA
College will assist you in finding a suitable industry placement
and upon graduation in launching your successful career.
During the launch, Dr. Abbas Gullet, the Secretary General
of the Kenya Red Cross Society said that the aim of Boma
International Hospitality College in collaboration with Alpine
Centre Switzerland is to address the current and long term
needs of the industry and its graduates. “We shall therefore
concentrate on training for specialists, not generalists;
craftsmen, not “chiefs” and, allow enough
time for practical training and coaching in a
top class hotel environment. Our graduates
will be able to perform beyond their
employers’ expectations from day one, and
save the employer time and money that is
usually spent on training new employees.
This will make the graduates the preferred
candidates in the job market,” said Dr, Gullet.
All our programmes include periods of
industry placement where students are able
to put their acquired skills into practice and
gain a better understanding of the workings
of the fascinating industry of hospitality and
tourism. The dynamic Career & Placement
Office at the BOMA International Hospitality
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24. Do you have a philosophy of life? What is your best piece of advice for
living?
I believe that nothing is impossible in this life
MEET THE COUNTY MANAGER
25. If we are sitting here a year from now, celebrating what a great year it has
been for you as a county manager, what would you have achieved?
I will be celebrating a lot. First of all Malindi branch has made me feel good for its
achievemements and I believe that it will be better a year from now. Second is the
project the HIV and AIDS project that I headed for seven years, I believe that it is so
far one of the best in KRCS.
HASSAN MUSA
“I saw people who were suffering being helped by KRCS and I also wanted to be part of the team.
That is what attracted me to KRCS. “
1.
What do you do for a living?
I am a county manager for the Kenya Red Cross for Lamu and Kilifi County
people in the society. It gives people hope and that is what I have always
wanted to do.
2.
Tell me about how you got into your line of work?
I was a volunteer with Mtongwe Community Initiative doing community
work in Mombasa. I later got a job in the same organization as a project
officer on a HIV and AIDS program. In 2002 I saw an advertisement by the
KRCS looking for a project officer on HIV and AIDS program in Mombasa. I
applied for it and got the job. I worked as a project officer for HIV and AIDs
in Mombasa up to 2009 and then I got transferred to Kwale then Malindi
for the same project. In 2010 I applied for a branch coordinator position in
Malindi. I got the job and worked as a branch coordinator until 2014, and
then in 2015 I became the county manager for Lamu and Kilifi Counties.
10. Tell us about Malindi branch?
It is a branch that I will never forget. When I first came here it was in a
really bad shape. It had resources but in really bad shape. The branch had
a lot of potential which had not been explored yet. I am happy to say now
that it is one of the best branches. This could not be done without team
work; with the team we were able to overcome the challenges. Malindi
branch now has the capacity to sustain itself and other branches. It has
been able to support Tana River Branch, Lamu branch and Mombasa
branch. I have to add that Malindi branch could not achieve this without
the help of the board as well. The leadership has been able to change the
branch.
3.
Do you like your job?
I love my job very much. This is because I am doing what I have always
wanted to do, which is to help the community in any way I can.
4. What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I have always wanted to do community work. I have always
been passionate about making a difference in the community.
5. What did you want to be when you grew up?
Being in an organization that will help people on community work
6. What lessons has your work life taught you?
That nothing is impossible. If you have a goal aim at it, work at it and
actually like the work that you are doing. Take my example, I have always
wanted to be in a position to have the capacity to make decisions and
here I am now, I now have the capacity to make decisions.
7. If you could do anything now, Other than community work,
what would you do?
I would be a good farmer. I actually want to be a farmer once
I retire. I want to be an example to people who think that
you cannot earn a living without a white collar job. I want
to teach other that you do not need a white collar job to be
successful.
8. Do you have any favorite stories from your work life?
There is one boy called Baraka, I will never forget that boy. We
had gone to a place called Madunguni to respond to floods. We
then met this boy Called Baraka, he had broken the door to their
house and used it as a floater to rescue his family. While on the
other hand his elder brothers were saving goats instead of their
family members. It amazed me that this young boy was able to
think outside the box in order to save his family members. We
as the Red Cross who went to respond decided to support the
boy and we worked hand in hand with him to save his family
and the rest of the people. That boy inspired me that nothing is
impossible if you only take a step and try.
9. Why Kenya Red Cross?
Because Kenya Red Cross reaches out to the most desperate
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11. You are regarded as one of the most innovative and progressive
branches. First congratulations. Second do you agree? If No, why?
I totally agree because we are innovative and think outside the box. Our
programs are unique for example, we currently have a 21 room hotel,
conference halls and we are thinking of expanding the hotel by building
30 more rooms and a swimming pool. We are also thinking of supporting
Kilifi branch by building a hostel there. Determination and commitment
made us so successful and we also believe in what we do. Also we could
not do it without the help from God. We also did a lot of research before
we ventured into these projects. We saw that apart from both local and
international tourist organizations that visit Malindi for conferences
also needed accommodation and conference halls in a cool and calm
environment and we just did that for them.
12. What keeps you awake at night?
Red Cross keeps me awake at night. I always think about the future and
the next step I am going to make.
13. Who has been the most important person in your life? Tell me
about Him/Her
My family. They have been very supportive in everything that I do. They
have been able to help me achieve what I have achieved now. Without
their love and support I do not think I would have accomplished what I
have now.
14. Who has been the kindest person to you in your life?
My mum. She has been very kind and supportive towards to me. My
mother makes sure she call me frequently to know how I am doing
despite her old age. I remember when I had a major operation my mother
travelled to come and be by my sickbed, this sis despite that she is disabled.
She took care of me until I felt better.
15. What has been the hardest lesson you had to learn?
Working with Red Cross in my condition. After a major surgery I thought
that I could not be able to walk again. I was seriously sick and was
admitted for four days. I have however recovered though I thought I
couldn’t work again. I thought that in my condition I couldn’t be able to
walk in the remote areas to fulfil my duties in helping my community but
despite that I have been able to do my work well and achieve my set goals.
16. What lessons has KRCS taught you about –life
• work • people • humanity
In terms of humanity I have learnt that all people deserve equal
opportunities and that nothing is impossible in this life. In life I have learnt
life is full of challenges and nothing comes easy. In terms of work I have
learnt that teamwork will make a big difference. One should work with
everyone from the watchman to the manger and that one should accept
each person’s potential.
17. What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my achievements in my county. I believe that I have left a
mark. I am also proud of the interns who have gone through me, I think
60% of them have gotten good jobs and are actually doing what they
love.
18. For your great grand children listening to this years from now is
there any wisdom you would want to pass on to them? What would
you say to them?
Life is full of challenges. Take challenges as opportunities because they
make you stronger.
19. What would you say motivates you to do what you do? What are
you most excited or passionate about? and what are the goals you
want to accomplish at KRCS?
Motivation: I feel satisfied when I make a difference in someone’s life
I am passionate about doing my work perfectly.
Goals: my goal is to have sustainable branches that will be able to
sustain itself and even support others.
20. I want to understand how you ended up working here as a county
manager. What led you to this job? what attracted you to work for
KRCS
Humanity: I saw people who were suffering being helped by KRCS and I
also wanted to be part of the team. That is what attracted me to KRCS.
26. When have you been most satisfied in life?
When KRCS appointed me to facilitate on HIV and AIDS program in other
continents. I am still aiming higher.
27. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is Dr.Abass Gulet because he is action oriented and doesn’t believe
in failure.
28. What things do you not like to do?
I do not like being associated with failures; I like to work with people who are
hardworking.
29. Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most
significant in your career
Home based care project which was under the HIV and AIDS program in
Mombasa. We changed a lot of lives and I am glad I was part of it. Then there
is also Magarini food security project and also a program on Income generating
activities in Malindi.
30. We are constantly making things better, faster, smarter or less expensive.
We leverage technology or improve processes. In other words, we strive to
do more with less. Tell me about a recent project or problem that you made
better, faster, smarter, more efficient or less expensive.
That will have to be the hotel. It took less than two years to set up the hotel.
Although it took a short period of time to set it up I believe that the outcome is
long term and we are now able to raise funds which in turn help us do more for the
community.
31. This is year we are celebrating 50 years of service to humanity as KRCS.
What is the greatest humanitarian act you have given or would lie to see
actualized?
The greatest humanitarian act I have given was to support Tana Delta victims of
tribal clashes. We supported the victims who lost their houses due to the clashes.
Some of them had run away from their community but we brought them back
to their communities. We built houses for them and so they had shelter. We even
reconciled the communities and they were able to once again live with one
another.
21. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were
young man
I did not know anything about Red Cross. I wish I had known earlier about
Red Cross then I would have joined as a member at an early age. I feel that
if I had joined Red Cross as a young man and became a volunteer I would
have had a lot of opportunities to better myself. Now I feel that I lost out
on a lot.
22. Over time how have you changed the way you look at life/ people?
I used to think that if you can’t do it, leave it. But now, especially after
joining Red Cross I have learnt that each individual has a potential that
should be explored fully.
23. What advice did your parents/ grandparents give you that you
remember best.
Love and respect your neighbor. These are the people that you will need
the most.
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