Kenya floods emergency and SIM’s response

By Tohru Inoue | Kenya in East Africa

Flooded bridge. Photo Credit: Andrew Onguka

Devastating floods have caused widespread casualties and displacement in Kenya. Since April, torrential rains have displaced hundreds of thousands of people. This nationwide emergency has caused widespread devastation, affecting homes, farms, businesses, and vital infrastructure. In the wake of this crisis, we are determined to bring hope through Christ's restorative power and healing. SIM is working alongside churches and partner groups to support families affected by this crisis.  

In April, an unprecedented volume of rainfall started to flood Kenya. It has since affected 38 of the 47 counties in Kenya, flooding roads, farms, homes, businesses and triggering devastating landslides.

According to Kenya’s National Disaster Operations Centre, almost a quarter of a million people across the country have so far been impacted. 228 people have so far lost their lives and over 210,000 people have been displaced. Moreover, in the week following a devastating mudslide in the town of Mai Mahiu, the government issued an evacuation order to all people residing near the 178 dams and water reservoirs. To date, 167 internally displaced persons camps hosting over 27,000 people have been set up.

The flooding has not spared livestock, crops, schools or health facilities in what is a nationwide emergency.

SIM is partnering with church and para-church organisations to respond to the crisis. The team has mapped out a response for five regions covering a wide area of the country.

The initial response will include the distribution of non-perishable food items, and assistance in rebuilding homes and small-scale livelihoods destroyed by the waters.

We’re praying that the rains end soon. We’re praying for strength to respond. And we’re praying for the Lord’s Spirit to again move across the waters and comfort his people.
 

Prayer Requests: 

• That the Lord will bring comfort to those who are grieving loss.

• For the five regions that SIM is focusing on: Upper Eastern, North Eastern, Coastal, Nairobi and Mai Mahiu.

• For strength for all SIM Kenya workers during this time.

• Praise for the government health workers’ strike which has ended, relieving pressure on other medical facilities. 

• For wisdom for SIM Kenya leadership and response teams.

• For SIM medical staff at the Kijabe hospital (near Mai Mahiu).

• For the Lord to provide the funds to respond to those in need.