reach out issue 58

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THE BOMET INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (BIDP)

MOMBASA: GLOBAL FUND HIV PROJECT

NAIROBI: H.E.L.P COURSE TRAINING

Issue No. 58 Jan-Mar 2016

Better With You

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THE KENYA RED CROSS CARD NOW YOU TOO CAN GIVE BACK!

NIC Bank and the Kenya Red Cross Society(KRCS) have partnered to give you the opportunity to give back through the NIC Bank Kenya Red Cross Card. This credit card automatically gives you membership to the KRCS and access to benefits as well as a chance to promote individual giving every time you spend.

What are the benefits of having the Kenya Red Cross Card?

• Free VIP lounge access at JKIA and MIA for international

departures

• International emergency assistance

• Basic first aid training at a subsidized rate

• Up to 15% discount at Boma Hotels

• Up to 5% discount for one year membership at E-plus

• Free insurance covers - Card Transaction Insurance, against fraudulent

transactions (non-PIN based)- Purchase Protection Cover- Credit Life Insurance

- Travel Insurance

• Update on emergency precautions

• Discount on KRCS related merchandise to partners

What are the features of the Kenya Red Cross Card?

• Guaranteed card security and convenience yet it is as good as cash

• Access to a 24 hour Customer Contact Centre• Free SMS notifications on any transactions processed (approved or declined)• Free monthly statements• Local and international acceptability at all VISA enabled

outlets including ATMs and online stores • Longer interest- free period of up to 50 days• Card bill payment option available via cash, cheque,

online banking, M-PESA or SWIFT• Competitive pricing

What are the requirements for the Kenya Red Cross Card?

• National I.D card or passport • Proof of residence or recent utility bill• Duly completed application form• 3 months bank statement • Latest payslip

What charges apply for the Kenya Red Cross Card?

*** Terms and Conditions apply

For more information call our customer contact center on Call: 020 2888217, 0732141111, 0711041111

Jan - Mar 2016 REACHOUT 3

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INSIDE

Pg5

Pg20

Pg15

Health & Nutrition

ICHA

Water & Sanitation

Global Fund........................................................ pg13

Disaster Operations........................................................ pg23

Disaster Management........................................................ pg29

Organizational development........................................................ pg33

Meet the RegionalManager........................................................ pg46

CONTENTS

Apr - Jun 2015 REACHOUT4

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EDITORIAL FOREWORDGovernor

Dr. Mohamud Said

Secretary General

Dr. Abbas Gullet

Edition Editor

Arnolda Shiundu

Editorial Board

Diana Moraa

Contributors

Diana Moraa, John Bundi, Arnolda Shiundu, Sylvia

Wishenga, Celine Abuga

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

addressed to the editor. ReachOut is subject to copy-

right. Should you wish to lift any material from the

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.redcross.or.ke

Kenya Red Cross Society

@KenyaRedCross Society

@KenyaRedCross

Having closed last year on a high note after celebrating 50 years of service as an

organization in Kenya, I am extremely excited to have begun this year on a high note.

Last year, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in empowering Local communities to cope up with disasters, worked hand in hand with farmers and distributed composite hybrid maize seeds DH 04 (Zea mays) in Kitui County. The main aim was to

assist the community to prepare for the expected El Nino season by planting crop in their farms which would then translate to produce. These communities now expect to harvest three times what they had sown. This goes to prove that it is not only through education, use of technological solutions, political regulation and financial support that we achieve sustainable development. It requires transforming the way people think and act in helping us forge more objective, peaceful, tolerant and inclusive societies. We should give people the understanding, skills and values they need to cooperate in resolving the challenges they face.

This is because most of the emergencies or natural disasters have early warning signs and can be mitigated prior to blowing out of hand and can therefore be either stopped or their effects controlled. This is why as an organisation we took it upon ourselves to empower communities in becoming resilient.

As part of supporting our humanitarian effort, we are pleased to have partnered with NIC Bank to reach more ordinary Kenyans to alleviate human suffering. Achieving our goal means success not only for us but for the Country as a whole. With more Kenyans becoming members, we collect more resources and in turn this means we will be able to reach more Kenyans who need our services. Each and every day, Kenya Red Cross is responding to disasters some small while others large and KRCS is #AlwaysThere, this takes a toll on the already limited resources. With the Visa enabled NIC Kenya Red Cross Credit Card, it automatically gives existing and non-existing members the opportunity to sign up and donate to our humanitarian efforts nationwide. The card holders will also be able to make donations using the card on a monthly, annual or ad hoc basis through instructions given to the Bank.

We are indeed equally proud to be the first National Society among 190 others around the world to launch the most advanced humanitarian aid app. Currently, all the other applications existing are only able to do one function while the KRCS app is more holistic and provides numerous features in one. This means that we have put this nation at the forefront in leading in using technology to bring innovative solutions to our challenges. We have adopted new media and narrowed the gap between traditional and new media thus bringing our services closer to those consumers. Indeed we are honored and excited to have taken lead in advancing technologically to bring humanitarian services closer to our supporters.

We undeniably celebrate our great achievements and growth thus far as an organization and hope that this new initiatives will assist in ensuring that we better serve the communities we work with. As we continue through to the next quarter, we hope to forge ahead in achieving our value preposition –“Always There”- and by bringing shared values to life.

Apr - Jun 2015 REACHOUT 5

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HEALTH & NUTRITION1. Nairobi: H.E.L.P Course Training

2. Kilifi: Dialogue As An Approach For Resolving Health Related Problems At Community Level

3. Mombasa: Community Mobilization And Sensitization At Bandarini Area

4. Naivasha: National First Aid Competition

5. Nairobi: KRCS Participates In The First Lady’s Marathon

Jan - Mar 2016 REACHOUT6

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Health Emergencies in Large Populations (H.E.L.P) Course is conducted to help upgrade professionalism in humanitarian assistance programmes in emergency

situations.

The objective of the course is to train professionals in the principles and the practice of humanitarian action in response to disasters and humanitarian crises, with a focus on needs, public health, health care and ethics and contribute to academic training, research and development in Humanitarian action.

An overview of the topics to be covered in the course include: Nutrition and Economic Security, International Humanitarian Law, Communicable Disease Control, Health Care Services, Mental Health, Water Challenges, Health Information Systems and Epidemiology among others.

The HELP course is being facilitated by The Kenya Red Cross Society Training School, in conjunction with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ITROMID), Jomo Kenyatta

NAIROBI: H.E.L.P COURSE TRAINING

University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and World Health Organisation.The training began on the 7th March 2016 at the KRCS Training School and ended on 18th March, 2016.

Kenya Red Cross MoU with TotalLife Onlus.

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TotalLife Onlus on 8th March 2016. The purpose of the MOU is to provide KRCS with a mobile clinic in order to increase the number of individuals suitable for diagnostic/ therapeutic interventions by the KRCS in areas with poor accessibility within the larger Kilifi County and other sites in equally vulnerable communities.


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TotalLife Onlus is a non-profit association created in Avellino, Italy with a public act of the notary Nicola Piroli. The main objective is to protect human rights of indigent people in Kenya and it has an aim to collect funds for communities in developing economies through joint ventures with other similar associations.

Kilifi: Dialogue as an approach for resolving health related problems at community level

Following regular household visits at Bandarini area in Tudor ward, community members together with Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) working with Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), identified a gap in the hygiene and sanitation status in the area. A need therefore arose for a community dialogue activity.

The dialogue took place on Friday 12th February 2016 where Sensitization sessions were conducted by the CHVs prior to the dialogue in order to mobilize community members to attend and participate in the discussions. The purpose of the dialogue was to engage the community members in discussing problems facing the community and seeking ways of solving them. It involved male and female community members of all ages, race and religion. It also Included the area Member of County Assembly (MCA), village elders, (balozis), CHEWs, CHVs and Provincial Administrative staff (area chiefs) and people living with disability.

Issues raised during the activity include hygiene and sanitation and gender roles in maintaining safe, healthy and clean environment. The community members also came up with a hygiene and sanitation committee that was tasked with the responsibility of identifying the location for the proposed community toilets as well as following up on the funds allocated for this project from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mombasa: Community Mobilization and Sensitization at Bandarini Area

The implementation of Community Health Strategy in Kaa Chonjo, Mburukenge and Moroto urban informal settlements by the Tudor Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) project in Mvita sub-county, Mombasa was based on the need to empower non-state actors to address social disparities in maternal and child health, nutrition and family planning in urban slums in support of MDG 4 and MDG 5. One of the overall expected project outcomes was to enhance capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to identify health needs and represent urban slum communities for improving health care service delivery.

Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and Red Cross staff conducted their weekly community sensitization activity in February on the on - going household registration, where they discussed a number of issues like health challenges faced by the community as well as mobilization for the planned community dialogue day and the up-coming nation-wide measles campaign in efforts to improve general health and well-being of the community.

Outcomes from household visits include improved health seeking behavior, improved nutritional status for children under 5 years and increased awareness on sexual reproductive health as well as increased uptake of family planning

Mombasa: MNCH Project Partners Review Meeting

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), Foundation for World Population (DSW) and Women AIDS Health Alliance (WAHA) together with the Ministry of Health officials from Mombasa conducted a quarterly review meeting in February in order to monitor progress, share experiences, challenges and lessons learnt during the implementation of MNCH Project.

The project focuses on Care and Support for People Living With HIV (PLHIV): PLHIV defaulter tracing, Home visits, adherence


counseling, psychosocial support, supportive referrals, community outreaches, follow up of the highly exposed infants and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission that ensures pregnant mothers attend anti Natal Clinic (ANC) visits and support Reproductive Health (RH) education sessions among others.

In attendance were the KRCS Deputy Secretary General, Programs Dr. Abshiro Halake, Head of Health and Social Services Sylvia Khamati, Mombasa County Pharmacist Dr. Mohammed Hanif and WAHA Country Director Abdul Kimogol.

The EU funded the project that combined the fields of Maternal, New-born and Child Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning, Preventive Nutrition and Health.

This will address important health care needs of the population in Mombasa County, and contribute to Kenya’s achievements of the MDG 4 and 5 by enhancing the capacity of Non-Sate Actors (NSAs) which will lead to improved access to health care services for the target groups and strengthen the health service provision in the area.

Blood Donation

Did you know that the demand for blood in Kenya is currently 200,000 units a year against a collection of 130,000 units leaving a shortfall of 70,000 units a year?

The Kenya Red Cross Society Nakuru County Branch, on 20th January 2016 held a Blood Donation exercise at Nakuru Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for Volunteers and staff to address the shortage where a total of 20 units was collected.

#Donate Blood Save A Life

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The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) led by Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet on Wednesday 17/02/2016, signed up for the First Lady’s Half Marathon to support her Beyond Zero Campaign.

The Emergency Medical Services provided emergency services during the marathon through 20 ambulances, 150 paramedics and first aiders, 125 first aid kits and back packs. Her Excellency also received donation from KRCS towards the Beyond Zero campaign, which will be used to reducing martarnal and child mortality.

Over 100 KRCS staff and volunteers participated in the Marathon on Sunday 6th March, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium.

NAIROBI: KRCS PARTICIPATES IN THE FIRST LADY’S MARATHON

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Jul - Sep 2015 REACHOUT 11

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GLOBAL FUND1. Global Fund Hiv Project


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KRCS has implem-ented Global Fund HIV Project in four

sub counties namely: Likoni Sub-County in Shika Adabu health center (Shonda CU) and Mbuta model health centre (Mbuta CU),Changamwe Sub-County in Portreitz hospital (Kipevu CU), Magongo health centre (Changamwe CU) and Chaani Municipal Clinic (Chaani CU), Mvita Sub-County in CPGH (Inglani and King’orani CUs) and Kisauni Sub-County in Kongowea health centre (Makuti and Bengala Cu’s) , Kisauni Health Centre (Bullo C.U and Mbungoni C.U).

The project focuses on Care and Support for People Living With HIV ( PLHIV): PLHIV defaulter tracing, Home visits, adherence counseling, psychosocial support, supportive referrals, community outreaches, follow up of the highly exposed infants and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission that ensures pregnant mothers attend ANC visits and support RH educations sessions among others.

MOMBASA: GLOBAL FUND HIV PROJECT


WATSAN

WATER AND SANITATION1. The Bomet Integrated Development Programme (Bidp)

2. KRCS Incepts Wash Project

3. Partners and stakeholders visit Kinango IFSL Project

4. Commissioning of Zia Ra Wari Irrigation project


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The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), on 11th March, 2016 attended a ground breaking ceremony for the Sigor Water Supply Project under Bomet Integrated Development

Programme (BIDP). The project will address significant social challenges of the residents in Sigor and Chebunyo Wards in Chepalungu and Bomet East sub-counties on access to clean water for both domestic and irrigation purposes. This is to be achieved through key interventions aimed at contributing to improved Community member’s livelihood, accessibility to water, health, and nutrition and food security. This programme presents a unique public/ private partnership.

BIDP is a joint project between the County Government of Bomet and KRCS which will contribute to improve quality of the residents of Bomet County for sustainable development. The 3 year programme will be implemented in two phases. Phase one will serve the current population of 55,000 people

THE BOMET INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (BIDP)


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and phase two will be implemented in the year 2027 to ensure that the needs of ultimate population for the next 10 years up to 2037 are met.

Speaking during the ceremony, KRCS Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet said that the programme will include; Improved access to clean water for domestic and agricultural use. “It is upon organisations to combine forces and work with County Governments to fight poverty and improve the living standards of community members.” Said Dr. Abbas.

According to Governor Isaac Ruto, the County will invest more on development projects to cover more ground. The Governor thanked KRCS and the British Red Cross (BRC) for mobilising resources from well-wishers to ensure Kenya has supportive projects to improve the living standards of ordinary Kenyans. The County Government of Bomet donated a 2 Acre piece of land to Red Cross to implement sustainable projects. The County also received BIDP vehicle from KRCS, which will be serving all project sites to ensure community members acquire the required humanitarian services.

Sigor water supply project implementation shall consist of water works at the intake, treatment works and the distribution networks. The amount of water to be abstracted from Nyangores River, a tributary to the Mara River is 1995M3/day. The length of the raw main from the intake to the treatment plant is 1,920Metres and the gravity main being 13,550M. The total length of the pipeline for the distribution network is 80 KM.

The project will serve a target population of 6,875 households. The cost of phase I of this project is 175 million KShs and the second phase will cost 124Million KShs. In ensuring that the whole population targeted is reached. 15 water kiosks and 13 tap stands will be constructed to serve as communal water points.


Kilifi: KRCS Incepts Wash Project

The new project implemented by the Kenya Red Cross Kilifi Branch, had its first meeting in Vision Conference in Bamba ward on February 3, 2016.The meeting brought together stakeholders from the Sub County and was convened to educate the community on hygiene and construct toilets through community led total sanitation. The project is targeting 155, 000 beneficiaries from Ganze Sub-County which includes both villages and schools.

Through a memorandum of understanding, the County Government of Kilifi will partner with KRCS to establish a water pipeline of 15.8 kilometres from Ganze to Bamba and from the targeted area. KRCS also intends to make ten villages open defecation free (ODF). The 3-year term project is funded by the British Red Cross to a tune of Sh75million.

Kinango: Partners and stakeholders visit Kinango IFSL Project

The Kenya Red Cross Society led by Deputy Secretary General, Abshiro Halake, and other stake holders embarked on a tour of the Kinango IFSL farm.

The project contributes to reduction of food insecurity to drought stricken communities of Kinango Sub- County in Kwale County. Total Number of Beneficiaries Targeted (Individual household): 417 Households (2,500 Persons) directly and over 10,000 persons indirectly through enhanced food availability in Kinango, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education as well as nutrition awareness.

The project also envisages increasing food production in the target area and an increase in households that are consuming micronutrient rich foods, through using adaptive agriculture-irrigation. KISFL targets to improve the nutritional status of children below five years as well as women of reproductive age as they represent the most vulnerable subset in the society.

The Kenya Red Cross Society, supported by the MPESA Foundation and County Government of Kwale launched the project to contribute to reduction of food insecurity to drought stricken communities of Kinango Sub- County in Kwale County

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Kilifi: Commissioning of Zia Ra Wari Irrigation project

Zia Ra Warri is an Irrigation Project under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) Programme and part of DM Operations which uses Cash for Assets. The project was commissioned in February by World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, Annalisa Conte and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Deputy Secretary General Programmes, Abshiro Halake.

The project covers 19Hectares of land with irrigation infrastructure worth Ksh 3,600,000 and a Ksh 2,000,000 dyke from WFP and the County Government respectively. The project targeted a total of 181 Households (2,000 people) under Cash for Assets who work for 12 days per month, and are provided with a monthly incentive of Ksh 2,000 depending on the local food prices per household. KRCS supported the group with assorted seeds, agrochemicals, seedlings, training and technical support.

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Oct - Dec 2015 REACHOUT18

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INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (ICHA)1. Global Partnership For Humanitarian Impact And Innovation Meeting

2. E-Plus Strategy Development Workshop


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GENEVA : GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR HUMANITARIAN IMPACT AND

INNOVATION MEETING

The KRCS Health Advisor, Sylvia Khamati attended the Global Partnership for Humanitarian Impact and Innovation meeting hosted by ICRC to discuss innovations and involvement of corporate/private sector in Health in fragile environments.

The mandate of the Global Partnership for Humanitarian Impact and Innovation (GPHI2) is to promote the development of innovative solutions to humanitarian challenges by harnessing the creative capacity of ICRC partners to respond to the needs of conflict victims.

ICHA


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Naivasha: National First Aid Competition

The Annual National First Aid Competition 2015 was held in Mt.Longonot Schools Naivasha, with a total of 10 teams participating in the Competition.

The competition was used to gauge the level of applying practical skills among trainees which acts as meeting point for all cadres of first aid trainees, and serves as a team building activity and a forum for exchange of ideas, experiences and learning points as well as creating friendship and understanding.

The competition also acted as a monitoring tool for the KRCS training department to gauge the instructor needs in terms of training gaps and update skill practice as well as gauge regions/branch’s readiness to respond during emergencies. Categories involved in the competition were: Corporates, Red Cross Action Teams (RCAT) and University Chapters. The Competition Format had two stages, namely- Written test for multiple choice Questions, which also included a True & False section. It involved both individual and team rankings and was also designed to encourage more reading from the team. The second stage was a Practical skill test¬-that was a team event.

Activities judged during the competition included: Coping in an emergency - General Team Coordination, communication and casualty care, primary survey, aftermath and injury - diagnosis and treatment.

Among the panel of judges was the Principal KRCS Training school Madam Judith Apondo and her team of Training of Trainers (TOT) who assisted with adjudicating and awarding of marks to the participants of the competition.The Participants displayed their skills on First aid and technical response to disasters. With each category coming up with winners. The winners included; Marceline Athembo from Corporate Team, Odira Ericson from RCAT Team and Kennedy Omondi from University Chapters Team.

Courses Offered By Kenya Red Cross Training School

The Kenya Red Cross Training School is committed to empowering individuals and institutions with skills for emergency preparedness and response.

The following are the courses offered at the school;

Disaster Management Courses

Disaster management courses are intense short courses targeted at individuals and organizations. They aim at equipping learners with knowledge and skills in disaster awareness, risk reduction, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The courses target representatives from relevant government ministries/departments, Emergency Service Providers, Humanitarian/relief workers, disaster managers and the general public.

ICHA


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There are several levels;• IntroductiontoDisasterManagement:1DayCostKshs

3,500• DisasterPreparedness:IDayCostKshs3,500• DisasterRiskReduction:3DaysCostKshs9,500• Disasterpreparednessandresponse:5DaysCostKshs

15,000• Disastermanagement:10DaysCostKshs65,000• HealthEmergencyinhealthPopulations(HelpCourses)

I0 Days Cost Kshs 200,000

Occupational Safety and Health Course

This course targets working places and staffs with the aim of imparting knowledge and skills for occupational safety, hygiene, health and management. It provides concepts that help the learner to set standards in the work place that promote safety, as proposed by GOK legal regulatory framework.Duration: I4 Days Cost: Kshs 14,000

Kenya Red Cross Training School Offers the following courses as well;

First Aid Course

The courses aim at introducing first aid essentials to both medical and non-medical staffs, develop knowledge and skills among staff members at work place on assessment, prevention and response to hazards, risks and dangers at work place, both in institutional preparedness as well as for GOK regulatory purpose and train parents, nannys and home care takers on child first aid.

They include:• BasicFirstAid• OccupationalfirstAid• BabyMinder/ChildFirstAid

Fire Safety

The courses aim at creating fire safety awareness and measures of fire prevention, suppression and safe evacuation in the case of fire and impart knowledge and expertise in fire risk and vulnerability assessment, prevention, and preparedness for fires, fire auditing and conduct mock fire drills.

They include;• Basicfiresafety• FireMarshal/Warden

Short Medical Courses

The courses give advanced skills to individuals to be able to provide lifesaving skills, especially for victims with compromised airway, breathing and circulation and provides health workers with specialized techniques to further save life following heart problem and giving learners with medical background concepts on how to care for injury victims respectively.

They include;• BasicLifeSupport• AdvancedCardiacLifeSupport• AdvancedTraumaLifeSupport

Pre Hospital Courses and Programs

This courses aim at rapid skill acquisition of ambulance drivers to safely and effectively “scoop and carry” casualties while working with EMTs, provide skills to individuals who are first to arrive at an emergency scene to provide safe, efficient and pre-hospital care to a variety of incidences and impart knowledge, skills and competences to Emergency Technicians to provide care to casualties.

The courses include;• AmbulanceOperationCourse• FirstResponderCourse• EMTCourses• EMT-Paramedic

Up Coming Courses

• Pediatric life Support and Advanced Obstetric LifeSupport

• PersonalSafetyandSecurity• IncidentCommandSystem(ICS1AND1CS2)• MassCasualtyIncidents’(MCI)Courses• IncidentCommandSystem(ICS)Courses• Tailor-madeCoursesfortheclient(basedonneed)

For more information Contact:Email: [email protected]: http://WWW.redcross.or.ke/ or http://WWW.icha.net Tel: 254 705 464 722 ORKenya Red Cross Society HeadquartersSouth C, RedCross Road, Off Popo RoadP.O. Box. 40712, 00100Cell (1): +254 703 037000 Cell (2): +254 722 206958Cell (3): +254 733 333041 Tel: +254 02 3950000

ICHA


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The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) is planning to come up with a new five year strategy for the Organisation. The new plan focuses on delivering Humanitarian Excellence based on a systematic review of

previous Strategic Plans, as well as an extensive review to identify the key challenges and opportunities for Kenya Red Cross to accelerate progress.

To ensure a seamless transition to the new Strategic plan, the E-plus team led by DSG Abshiro Halake has been working on their departmental objectives which will feed into supporting the overall goal organisation.

E-PLUS STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP


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DISASTER

DISASTER OPERATIONS1. Supporting Laini Saba Fire Victims

2. Evacuation of Samburu Victims

3. DM Strengthening Workshop/ Training

4. Contingency Planning

5. Tracing and Restoring Family Links


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Nairobi: Supporting Laini Saba Fire Victims

Victims who were affected from the Laini Saba fire disaster, can now afford a smile on their faces after the Kenya Red Cross Society supported them by distributing Non Food Items (NFI). The distribution took place at Highrise Chief`s Camp, Kibera.

OPERATIONS


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The distribution was done after KRCS conducted their assessment where they found the victims were in need of non-food items such as: kitchen sets, blankets, collapsible water Jerri cans, assorted clothes, mosquito nets and bar soaps.

The fire incident that occurred on 7th February, 2016, left a total of 205 households and a population of 934 individuals affected. According to Maureen Mwendwa, the fire started at 8 am and went up to around 10 am where the Kenya Red Cross, Karen Lang’ata branch disaster programme focal person, contacted Nairobi City Council Fire Brigade who assisted in the extinction of the fire.



Samburu: Evacuation of Samburu Victims

Following the attack by armed bandits who raided homes in Marti in Samburu on 5th February 2016 killing 9 people, the Kenya Red Cross emergency teams responded to the violence and attended to casualties, including two children who were critically injured. The children were airlifted by the Kenya Red Cross Society from Samburu to the Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment.

According to Samburu North Sub-County Commissioner Henry Katana, 300 herd of cattle, 10 donkeys and 9 camels were stolen during the bandit raid. Two primary schools remained closed following the inter clan conflict.

Isiolo: DM Strengthening Workshop/ Training

The KRCS DM Department Strengthening program held a Quarterly workshop in Isiolo and other various KRCS Regional offices.

Among the topics discussed during the workshop included; Sensitization of the teams on MEAL, to enable participants who are mainly KRCS regional staff, Red Cross Action Terms (RCAT) members, to better utilize program data and learn from their implementation, dissemination of Red Cross Action Team guidelines which aims at increasing disaster response efficiency and gather and consolidate inputs from the teams in regards to emergency funds management.

Nairobi: Contingency Planning

KRCS Disaster Operations staff shared their experiences in operationalizing the Contingency Plan Review for the period September 2015 - February 2016 in a Workshop held on 25th/26th February at Boma Hotel.

The Plan Review emphasized on the need to understand the level of implementation, contextualize current status of the humanitarian landscape, in relation to the contingency plan and adapts the plan and alignment of the document.

The multi- hazard Contingency Plan Review Workshop aims to consolidate the updated contingency plans for drought, conflicts, epidemics, floods and rapid onset disasters from different stakeholders.



RISK AND HAZARDBULLETIN

In this quarter, rising political tensions were observed in the by-elections for county, national assembly and senate representatives with spontaneous incidents of inter-clan conflicts being witnessed across the country. Sunny and dry weather conditions prevailed over most parts of the country in January and February with most areas receiving higher than average daytime temperatures. Cholera outbreak continues to be on the rise with reports of potential outbreaks of yellow fever and Zika virus further threatening the health system. Significant numbers of fire incidents and road traffic crashes were also reported across the country.

• Householdfoodsecurityimprovedintheperiodunderreview as a result of enhanced rainfall during the OND 2015 season.

• Cholera outbreak has now hit a total of 29 countiesand resulted into 224 deaths with more than half of the fatalities being reported from 4 counties; Wajir, Nairobi, Migori and Siaya (Disease Surveillance & Outbreak Response Unit, MOH, Kenya).

• Informalsettlementswithinurbancenterscontinuedtobear the greatest brunt of fire incidents. In this quarter, 527 households and 9 school dormitories were razed down by fires, resulting in 10 fatalities and 75 injuries. (KRCS, EOC)

CONTEXT ANALYSIS OF MAJOR HAZARDS IN THE QUARTER

Political situationAs Kenya draws closer to the National General Elections to be held in 2017, political tension is on the rise. During the quarter, political related conflicts, mockeries and tensions have been reported in the country as was the case in the recent by-elections in Malindi, Kericho and Masongaleni. Since the 2013 general elections, there have been reported conflicts in various counties, the latest being in Narok and Muhoroni - near the border between Nandi and Kisumu counties. Currently, sporadic clashes have been ongoing in parts of Garissa, and at the border areas of Wajir and Marsabit Counties. These, coupled with tensions between different communities and/or clans in some counties over competition for control of scarce resources could likely result in further tensions in the country.

The two centres of power (The Presidency and the Gubernatorial) is likely to attract tight competitions as all current bearers prepare to secure second terms in office. Both National and County Governments have demonstrated their commitments in maintaining law and order. KRCS is also working together with the two levels of government and has already set up surveillance mechanisms for closer follow up and reporting.

Uncontrolled Cholera ‘endemic’ in Kenya The ongoing cholera outbreak has been characterized by multiple peaks since the index case was reported in December 2014. The national figures for cases and fatalities currently stand at 13,876 and 224 deaths respectively (Case Fatality Rate = 1.6%). More than half of all fatalities have been reported in 4 counties: Wajir (45; 20%), Nairobi (32; 14%), Migori (26; 11.6%) and Siaya (23; 10%). According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for January 2016 generated from a survey conducted jointly by Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Ministry of Health (MOH) on the ongoing cholera outbreak, the risk factors identified among the cholera case-patients included lack of health education regarding cholera and diarrheal diseases, lack of access to safe water and hygienic sanitation services, inadequate hand washing practices, and consumption of food outside the home. The report further indicated that the communities had high cholera awareness, but cholera prevention knowledge was inadequate, as was access to safe water and appropriate sanitation facilities.

In the counties where cholera cases have been reported,

JANUARY – MARCH 2016 IN FIGURES

• 224 Cummulative number of lives lost as a result of the ongoing cholera outbreaks

• 29 Current number of counties affected by Cholera outbreak since December 2014

• 73 Fire incidents reported at the KRCS, EOC since January 2016

• 6 Counties at risk of drought ( alert phase ) - Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, West Pokot, Mandera & Wajir



KRCS has continued to carry out hygiene promotion activities, decontamination of the affected households and prophylactic treatment of close contacts. Mapping of affected villages and communities proved to be a useful strategy in prioritizing relevant interventions. This issue of the bulletin takes note that cholera situation is in the third calendar year with several waves in over 29 different counties and despite questions being asked about the hygiene levels across the country, there is growing concern within the entire health system as more epidemics of public health importance such as yellow fever and zika virus are being reported in the country and elsewhere in the globe respectively. There is increasing call for the National Government, County Government and Development partners to hold dialogue fora to better understand the underlying factors of the current epidemics. This initiative will see actionable and sustainable recommendations being brought forth, that will not only control but also prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Urban FiresDuring the reporting period, 73 incidents were reported in different parts of the country, 13 of which were school fires. A total of 527 households and 9 dormitories were destroyed by the fires in which 10 people lost their lives, and a further 75 others were injured. The highest frequency of incidents occurred between 0700hrs to 0900hrs and 1900hrs to 2100hrs – all with 18 incidents while the lowest number of incidents occurred between 0200hrs to 0400hrs in which only 4 incidents were experienced. There is need for the academia and research institutions to find out if there is a correlation between fire incidents and time of cooking.

Urban informal settlements have numerous economic, social and infrastructural problems which increase their vulnerability to fires. After several years of responding to urban fires with alarming figures of deaths and injuries, Kenya Red Cross has launched a ‘fire sensors’ project aimed at piloting the use of emerging technologies to reduce fire risks in densely populated informal settlements. To this end, Kenya Red Cross Society has planned to install and test more models of fire sensors in two schools located in Mukuru informal settlement and market places in Hagadera, Dadaab.

OUTLOOK FOR APRIL - JUNE 2016 Water scarcity, pasture degeneration and Resource-based conflicts - With the March to May 2016 seasonal forecast (According to Kenya Meteorological Department) pointing to a generally depressed rainfall over most parts of the country, the resources such as water and pasture are likely to diminish especially in north-eastern and north western parts. Water related stress is expected to be evident in a number of pastoral settlements and more so in areas with inadequate water reservoirs. The residents are therefore advised to use the available water sparingly in meeting both animal and human needs into the subsequent season. The county government should help promote sustainable rangelands management practices that will help conserve pasture. Resource-based conflicts may also arise among the neighboring communities

hence the need for the county governments to work closely with the local community leaders to mitigate such risks through promotion of dialogue and other peace building initiatives.

Flash floods in isolated areas - On the other hand, the expected enhanced rainfall along the coastal strip may cause serious blockages by surface runoffs thereby resulting into flash flooding especially in urban areas. The county departments in charge of water and environmental sanitation should ensure that the drainage channels are opened up early enough.

Food Security - According to The Famine and Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) food security update through September 2016, the highly depressed rainfall expected in the pastoral areas will lead to water scarcity and significantly slow down recovery of browse conditions. Livestock productivity will then reduce leading to low household income and subsequently food insecure households. In view of the looming dry spells in the pastoral areas, the following interventions will be key in mitigating the expected impacts;

• The county government in collaboration with NDMAshould embark on promotion of sustainable rangeland management practices that will ensure the scarce resources such as browse is not depleted.

• With the livestock production expected to reduce,focus should be on training of the livestock farmers and community members on drought cycle management and community managed disaster risk reduction measures respectively.

• In regions that will be water stressed and haveunreliable water resources, the county government and development partners should consider water trucking activities.

In the areas that may receive either depressed or near average rainfall, it is most likely that the substandard water and sanitation situation may create ideal conditions for a possible increase in cholera cases hence reviving the outbreaks. The situation could be worse in places characterized by low land with bodies of water that are vulnerable to flooding. Even though the seasonal forecast shows highly depressed rainfall in parts of north eastern and northwestern, the fact that residents live in close proximity to each other with poor hygiene conditions and little access to clean water, cholera and other water borne diseases such as dysentery, typhoid fever, amoebiasis and gastroenteritis could still be on the rise during the dry spells. The ongoing cholera outbreak is expected to further decrease food security at least in cholera affected households since cholera treatment will take the bulk of the already limited financial resources.

In the wake of political realignments - in search for ‘political vehicles’ and space for next year’s general elections, there is need to engage the ‘voices of reason’ through continuous dialogue and reconciliatory campaigns targeting communities, the youth and political class.


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DISASTER MANAGEMENT 1. KRCS, National and County Government Farm Visit

2. Kitui: Tarpaulin Donation

3. Launch of Kenya`s Adaptation Fund programme

4. Fire Sensors Lessons Learned Workshop


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Kitui: KRCS, National and County Government Farm Visit

The Kenya Red Cross Society and County Government officials paid the Kitui residents a visit at their farms to see the progress of the 43MT of Maize seed that had been distributed last year during the El Nino emergency preparedness phase to 21,500HH in Kitui County to be cultivated in drought stricken and food insecure areas.

Among the stakeholders during the visit were National Government officials from the Office of the President, KRCS staff led by Dr. Abbas Gullet, County officials and representatives from the National Cereals and Produce Board of Kenya. During the visit, farmers were advised to sell their produce to the National Cereals and Produce Board for better prices so as to boost their living standards.

The El Nino preparedness measures were done due to predictions which indicated the effects would be felt across Kenya. In this regard, based on risk mapping, KRCS narrowed down to 23 at risk counties, which stood highest for worst effects. These include the Northern and North Eastern, Coast, Western Kenya, Rift Valley and parts of Central regions.

The Kitui farmers cultivated on about 20,500 Acres using 20bags per acre and are therefore expecting a produce of about 36 MT (410,000 bags) of maize estimated at a value of Ksh 1.025 Million at Ksh 2,500 per bag.

Kitui: Tarpaulin Donation

Kitui farmers, who were supported with the DH04 maize seeds last year during the El Nino emergency preparedness, were provided with tarpaulins to dry their maize by the KRCS. The major challenge the farmers faced was storage and they also needed to dry the maize to the required moisture content.

The farmers expressed their gratitude for the maize seedlings they were supported with because the breed was a good choice as compared to other types they previously used.

KRCS while working with Kitui County farmers had distributed composite hybrid maize seeds DH 04 (Zea mays) to about 21,000 farmers to plant during the Elnino season.



Launch of Kenya`s Adaptation Fund programme

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in partnership with National Management Authority (NEMA) through the Ministry of Environment Water and Natural Resources (MEWNR) among other stakeholders launched the Kenya Adaptation Fund Programme on 26th January, 2016 at the Boma Hotel, Nairobi.

The programme highlights five components for the programme success including Enhancing climate change resilience for improved food security in selected counties; to improve climate resilient water management systems to enhance food security in selected counties; Increase resilience to the effects of sea level rise and shoreline changes through integrated shoreline and mangrove ecosystem management in Kenya; disaster risk reduction among vulnerable communities; and finally disaster risk reduction among vulnerable communities.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ministry of Water and Natural Resources (MEWNR) Prof Judi Wakhungu launched the programme . The initiative aims to change the lives of vulnerable community members on the selected sites.



Fire Sensors Lessons Learned Workshop

The Fire Sensor Project came to an end on December 31st, 2015 and the Kenya Red Cross Society planned a lessons learned workshop from January 13th-15th, 2016

This workshop brought together teams from the South African Red Cross Society, the American Red Cross, and external partners. This was an avenue to share experiences from community engagement, technology designs and working in partnership with local government authorities.

The Fire Sensors Project, funded by American Red Cross, is a pilot project generally targeting 2000 households in slum areas, 1,000 each in Mukuru, Nairobi and Khayelitsha, Cape Town – on the use of emerging technology to reduce fire risks in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society and South Africa Red Cross Society respectively.



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ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Election Committee Meeting

2. KRCS/NIC Credit Card

3. MUA International Conference on Peace as a Global Language

4. KRCS Signs An MOU with Base Titanium Limited

5. Nairobi: KRCS Regional and Organisational Development Coordination Meeting

6. KRCS Youth Program

7. Courtesy visit By Toy Factory Representatives


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Nairobi: KRCS/NIC Credit Card

National: Election Committee Meeting

The Kenya Red Cross Society met to discuss on the upcoming elections to be held at the Sub-County, County and National levels which is scheduled to commence on March 12th, 2016.

The meeting that was held at KRCS Headquarters highlighted on membership and KRCS Constitution as per Article 35(B), which entitles every member to participate at the County Annual General Meeting (AGM).

During the meeting, members in attendance also discussed uniformity for all registered members and the election experience for both the voters and participants.

It was agreed that Management will not facilitate transportation of members during voting at County level from Sub County, “We have to be true to our fundamental principles as we organize the elections” said Wangeci Mathenge, Head of Organizational Development.

According to the KRCS Constitution, elections are held after every three years.

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The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in partnership with NIC Bank on 8th March, 2016 launched a co-branded credit card that will give customers an opportunity to give back to the National Society.

“As part of supporting our humanitarian effort, we are happy to partner with NIC Bank to reach more ordinary Kenyans to alleviate human suffering. Achieving our goal means success not only for us but for the Country as a whole. More Kenyans


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who become members means we collect more resources and in turn this means we are able to reach more Kenyans

Speaking during the launch at the Boma Hotel Nairobi, the keynote speaker Dr. Manu Chandaria said that there are many people who don’t have credit cards and they would like to own one to use it in future. ``This card will go a long way in not only using the card but changing the mindset of the people. Individual giving should form the backbone of all the development organisations that exist today to assist in carrying out missions ,therefore NIC Bank and KRCS are prepared to give back to the society and build Kenya” Said Dr.Chandaria.

The Visa enabled NIC Kenya Red Cross Credit Card automatically gives existing and non-existing members the opportunity to sign up and donate to the humanitarian efforts nationwide. The card holders will also be able to make donations to the Kenya Red Cross using the card on a monthly, annual or ad hoc basis through instructions given to the Bank.

NIC Bank Group Managing Director Mr. John Gachora appreciated the partnership and also encouraged the attendants to sign up for the card.

Nairobi: MUA International Conference on Peace as a Global Language

As Kenya is preparing for General Elections 2017, The KRCS Secretary General Dr Abbas Gullet enlightened participants on Global Citizenship, and Human Rights during MUA 6th Annual International Conference on Peace as a Global language programme on 4th February 2016.

In his speech, Dr Abbas Gullet enlightened participants on Global Citizenship and Human Rights .He also encouraged people to work diligently in order to achieve Sustainable Development by transforming how they think and act in achieving goals and objectives.

Further, Dr. Gullet said that KRCS has been at the forefront as an organisation in ensuring that the republic of Kenya attains peace. ̀ `If the country has peace, every person is in the position of enjoying freedom and investing in any part of this country,`` Said SG Dr Abbas. Additionally, He said that KRCS has different projects related to health and livelihoods in arid and semi arid areas. Some of these projects have enabled beneficiaries to be self reliant instead of waiting for relief support.

IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba was among key speakers who addressed the conference on the electoral process and peace. The role of Technology in promoting peace was among of the key issues that the panelist were discussing to ensure Kenya maintains peace before, during and after elections.

KRCS Signs An MOU with Base Titanium Limited

The Kenya Red Cross Society led by Secretary General Abbas Gullet and General Manager Environment & Community Affairs Colin Forbes, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Base Titanium Limited on 29th January 2016.

The purpose of the MOU is to lay out a framework for collaboration between the Parties to develop, promote and strengthen joint actions and collaborate in implementing agreed joint development and community empowerment programmes and projects in Kenya.


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The parties will in accordance with the provisions of the MOU endeavor to work together and maintain a continuous working relationship for the achievement of agreed common objectives within the limitations of their respective mandates and resources.

Nairobi: KRCS Regional and Organisational Development Coordination Meeting

The Kenya Red Cross Society Organisational Development Department held a “Regional and Organisational Development Coordination Forum” at the Boma Hotel. The purpose of the forum was to use coordination to enhance quality service delivery to target population while ensuring optimal use of available resources.

Several objectives of the forum included: To conduct a detailed review of field and counties looking at their successes, challenges and way forward; the aspects of Strategy 2020 and objective setting for the year 2016; financial and audit issues; accountability and reporting; and lastly enhancing team building activities ,staff cohesion, motivation and team work for program success.

KRCS Youth Program

Shadrack Musyoka, works for the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in the Organisational Development department. He manages the youth and volunteer program tasked with coordination of youth activities, membership and volunteer management activities, which are all core to the Red Cross movement. He shared the society’s hope for the youth with Rita Nyaga from ICRC Somalia.

KRCS has a national youth policy, which it continues to implement. In 2015 the youth program came up with a Youth Engagement Strategy (Y.E.S). The Y.E.S. brings together three perspectives of meaningful youth engagement within KRCS which are youth as leaders, youth as volunteers, and youth as beneficiaries. This framework looks at youth both within and outside the Organisation and is fundamental in the implementation of the Strategy’s direction.

By Rita Nyaga, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Somalia Delegation

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This strategy looks at three framework which is Youth Education, Youth Empowerment, and Creating Enabling environments for Youth.

In Y.E.S., a two-fold action has been recommended across the three domains of education, youth empowerment, and creation of enabling environments for youth.

First, they reflect current realities of youth engagement within diverse contexts.

Second, they are aspirations for youth development in the years to come are are to be translated into tangible actions at the KRCS level.

They focus on three important pillars:

1. Education.

2. Empowerment.

3. Enabling environment.

Youth Education.

It’s important to note that Over 70% of KRCS volunteers are youth. KRCS aims to instill the right humanitarian principles and values from the Red Cross movement’s perspective at an early age. The society believes that if they influence the youth when they are young, they will always live with and uphold these values until their old age.

Within KRCS, children, adolescents, and young adults are offered opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to lead a healthy, safe and fulfilling life. All educational learning and training opportunities with and for youth are underpinned by the Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values of the movement. They are provided in formal, non-formal, and informal settings.

Youth Empowerment

Empowerment is about the behavioral change of individuals and it builds on education and skills development. Within this strategy, empowerment of children, adolescents, and young adults results in them making healthier and safer choices, as well as informed decision-making that impacts them and others. This strategy proposes that, all activities and programs with and for youth should entail the concept / principle of empowerment.

The strategy also seeks to create local and international opportunities and networks that give the youth a chance to travel abroad, and interact with their peers through exchange programs as well as engage youth outside the movement and give them room to implement projects that are pro-youth empowerment. Through skills development and vocational trainings they are prepared and able to reach opportunities available to them. In the long run they become economically empowered, and feel actively engaged in their personal development and that of the community they live in.

Enabling environment for youth

Creation of enabling environments is about making action and positive change possible. The aim is to educate and empower children, adolescents, and young adults to have safe and secure spaces, equitable resources and support to become agents of positive change.

At the KRCS, institutional culture, processes, structures, policies, guidelines and regulations will be evidence-based, informed by intergenerational dialogue, and enable youth action throughout the country.

KRCS branches country wide have space for the youth to meet and deliberate on issues that affect them. Besides performing first aid drills, they learn about road safety and emergency preparedness and response.

4 part youth program objectives

1. Part One - Protection of Life and Health.

KRCS guarantees the well-being, security, and safety of young volunteers throughout, and after their engagement in KRCS programs and services.

They provide young volunteers with the necessary information, training and resources to ensure that they are able to protect their physical health, mental well-being

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and personal property while engaged with KRCS voluntary programs and services.

They insure young volunteers through IFRC or local insurance companies.

2. Part Two - Community Service

KRCS works on strengthening the role of young people in connecting with vulnerable communities and serving one another.

Under this objective they learn to give back to the community by taking care of the environment and visiting the sick and elderly.

They also work with the disadvantaged in the community like the orphans, disabled and the less fortunate. They look into issues affecting the community together.

They are transformed from tree planters to tree growers. Through high school clubs and university chapters they are encouraged to grow one tree or more for their duration at the institution. They are encouraged to own the environment and keep it clean.

3.PartThree-DisseminationofRedCrossandRedCrescentPrinciples and International Humanitarian Law.

KRCS works at promoting Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values to all young people as a means of changing minds, saving lives, and strengthening resilience.

KRCS engages the youth and encourages them to share information through dissemination sessions and social media, where they encourage more people to join the movement or follow them through various social media platforms.

When discussing the movement and it’s origin the youth encourage their peers to join the Red Cross movement as volunteers.

4. Part four - Promotion of National and InternationalFriendship and Understanding by using the International Links of the Movement.

KRCS ensures youth participation in decision-making at all levels of management, governance and service delivery. The Importance of correlation cannot be over emphasized. By relating with the youth during activities like camping, art and craft, picnics, hiking, fun and games, we teach them to co-exist and accept their differences and use them as their unique strengths.

Though from different ethnicity, religions and communities they are able to build friendships and mutual understanding.

Youth Dialogue Forums

Kenya Red Cross society in partnership with the office of the president is empowering youth to improve quality of their lives and to be key agents for development and peace through Youth empowerment forums.

In Isiolo County, the forum was coordinated by KRCS Upper Eastern Regional Manager Talaso, who encouraged the youth to use their voices to articulate their issues. Speaking during the forum in Isiolo County, KRCS Operations Advisor Mohammed Mahdi, touched on thematic issues like development for peace, drugs and substance abuse, education and training, resources as a cause of conflict and discrimination marginalized among others. Further, he said that youth will be required to engage in both formal and informal groups and articulate the issues well. This will influence policies that will generate conducive environment for youth development.

On the other hand the KRCS Operations Manager Tana River Jerald Bombe, said the dialogue will increase youth participation in local development and peace initiatives as well as expanding economic opportunities and contribute to their communities.

Hassan, KRCS volunteer and youth leader from Marsabit County inspired the youth during the dialogue stating that no problem or challenge is bigger than confidence and in partnership, there is satisfaction. He added ‘’ together as youth we can!’’

Approximately 36 youth from Garbatulla, Oldonyiro, Kinna, Sericho and Ngaremara among other Wards within Isiolo County attended the forum.

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Upper Eastern and North Eastern Regions also held a two day Youth Dialogue meeting on 8th and 9th March 2016 at Rangelands Hotel, Isiolo. The objective of the forum was to create a platform for discussing issues among the youth.

During the meeting, Dr. Abbas Gullet challenged the youth to be agents of change by equipping themselves with the necessary tools and education qualifications so that they can make a difference in the society.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives and Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions in the Office of the Presidency, Mukhtar Ogle also advised the youth to carefully choose their values,

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be champions of change, show spirit of partnership within various communities and improve quality and effectiveness of engagement with their leaders.

Also in attendance for the meeting included DSG Programmes, Abshiro Halake, DM Operations Advisor, Mahdi Mohamed Special Advisor to the President on Cohesion, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Rev Samuel Kobia. The forum was attended by youth representatives from 5 counties of the region (Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera).Marsabit County

The County Government of Marsabit hosted over 45 youths from North Horr, Leisamis, Moyale and Marsabit at Jerimi Hotel to share the challenges they face and discuss solutions in a Youth Dialogue Forum.

In Marsabit, The County Government hosted over 45 youths from North Horr, Leisamis, Moyale and Marsabit at Jerimi Hotel to share the challenges they face and discuss solutions.

The program empowers youth to expand their economic opportunities and contribute to their communities. The Governor H.E Ukur Yatani who was represented by his Deputy thanked the KRCS and office of the presidency for coming up with this Forum. KRCS will be coordinating youth dialogue forums across all counties.

Opening the forum Marsabit County Deputy Governor Hon Omar, encouraged the youth to practice leadership and come up with workable solutions to benefit the county at large. “Youth Dialogue Forum is one of the best platforms for youths to highlight their issues and lobby the government in decision making for sustainable growth.” Hon Omar said. He added that youths should not solely rely on white collar jobs but rather practice self-employment and come up with ideas to create employment opportunities.

Kenya red cross society (KRCS) also organized a similar forum in Garissa. The youths were addressed by The County Commissioner and KRCS Committee Branch Chairman.

The Forums will be conducted in all the 47 Counties in Kenya.

Nairobi: Courtesy Visits

The Director 748 Air Services Mr.Jibril Ahmed visited the Kenya Red Cross society Head offices on 19/02/2016 where he met with the KRCS Governor Dr.Mohamud Said and KRCS Secretary General Dr.Abbas Gullet. The Director signed up as a Life Member of the Humanitarian Organisation.

Nairobi: Courtesy visit By Toy Factory Representatives

The KRCS will soon receive Mobile Clinic from The Toy Factory International Company Limited to assist in maternal health care and deliver services to the most vulnerable groups in the hard to reach areas in Kenya.

The main plant of Toy Factory International is located in FTZ (Free-trade Zone) in Okinawa. It is involved in Manufacturing and domestics and overseas distribution of high-specific special-purposed vehicles & related parts.

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Red Cross Angels Express Love on Valentine’s Day

Valentine day is that day of the year that the young and young at heart express their love for each other in the name of St Valentine. It is always a day full of red almost everywhere as the theme color of the day. It is regarded as the auspicious festival of love and the most prime day for the dating ones, where one would sacrifice everything for the sake of spending this special day with their dear one.

On this typical day, the young Red Cross angels drawn from the JKUAT Chapter, MKU Chapter and the Thika branch youths decided to sacrifice their time and spend it with the patients at the Thika Level 5 hospital.

A group of sixty youths, majority being university students converged at thika hospital at around 10:30am at the hospital compound ready to offer any help they could afford to the hospital. The hospital serves as the largest public facility delivering health services to the people in the larger Kiambu

County. Everyone was very enthusiastic to render service as a way of showing some love and care to the patients this valentine’s day.

The activity began by a briefing on the schedule of the day from Mr. Ndegwa who is the clean master of the hospital. Thereafter, the students divided themselves into three groups; two groups which dealt with the sweeping and washing of the compound while the other group collected garbage around the hospital compound.

It was indeed a beautiful day decorated in “red” as the Red Cross emblem which is red in color rhymed with the color of the code of the day and true to the spirit, they were here to show some love to the patients. It was valentine happening in a special way. The activity enhanced the bond and cohesion among the youths from the two different universities as they interacted freely in achieving one common objective on this day: to share and spread love.

The climax of this activity was visiting the patients in the wards. The youths had a chance to visit some of the patients. Some groups went to children wards including the incubation where pre-term babies are monitored, while others visited the

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physically critical injured patients as well as operated women in their respective wards. Inside the wards the students were all in smiles as they engaged the patients in conversations, cracking jokes, and giving them encouraging words as a way of comforting them. It was indeed an act of humanity and compassionate love expressed in the simplest and special way.

Afterwards, the students gathered at one place for some remarks from their respective representatives. Later in the afternoon they joined the other thika branch Red Cross Youths volunteering in serving some street children lunch at the famous Wangari Mathai Garden in the central business district of Thika.

When the day wrapped up, everyone felt a sense of satisfaction having ignited a smile and touched someone’s heart on this Valentine’s Day. As Mother Teresa said in one of her famous wise quotes “Let us always meet each other with a smile for the smile is the beginning of love”

Written by Alex Gandi Kidzagamba who is a former JKUAT student and a Volunteer with The Kenya Red Cross Society.

Nairobi: KU Fun Day

The Red Cross Kenyatta university students attended a fun day at karura forest on 6th of February 2016. The main theme was to encourage national integration and socialization among the youths. It was open to not only Red Cross members but to also those willing to join or aspire to be in Red Cross.

Nairobi: ICT Value Awards

KRCS scooped the social media excellence awards during the 2015 Information Communication Technology Value Awards. KRCS was nominated under Best Use of ICT in Health and Social Media Awards Excellence of the year categories.

The theme was ‘recognizing digital transformation champions’ where the KRCS ICT team led by Mulki Nuh received the award.

The ICT Value Awards avails a unique opportunity for organisations and individuals to reflect on their technology triumphs and to renew commitment to a better and brighter future in ICT. As usual, the ICT Association of Kenya appreciates the call to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding contributions that have inspired excellence within the ICT industry.

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Malindi National Youth Camp 2015

The annual National youth Camp was conducted in Watamu Beach in Malindi. The NYC was officially opened by Hon Salma Muhidinn Ahmed, County Executive Member, Education Youth Affairs Culture and Social Services.

The theme was Accelerating Youth empowerment for sustainable development. In attendance was KRCS OD Advisor Wangeci Mathenge, Coast Region Manager Hassan Musa, Tabitha Matolo Program PA, Youth Chair Kevin Dooso and National Youth and Volunteer Development manager Shadrack Musyoka among other invited guests.

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Nairobi: Boma Hotel Baby Blessing Children Home Visit

The Boma Hotel in partnership with Kenya Red Cross Society conducted a Corporate Social Responsibility at Baby Blessing Children Home in Tena Estate, Umoja on 30th January 2016.

The Boma Hotels Human Resource Manager, Leah Nzioki ,said that the Hotel has the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme in order to serve the less privileged and improve the community. Further, Leah said that children are a gift from God and there is need to support the orphans and the less fortunate. Among the activities conducted by the Boma Hotel personnel included clean ups, plumbing, entertainment and feeding.

Baby Blessing Children`s Home Director madam Irene thanked the Boma Hotel and KRCS fraternity for spending time with the children.The Hotel managed to serve approximately 600 people from both Baby Blessing Family and the community around.

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Nairobi: Dr. Abbas Gullet Inaugurated As the First University Chancellor of UMMA University

The Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet was on friday, the 22nd January, 2016 Inaugurated as the first chancellor of Umma University Kajiado Campus. As the chancellor, Dr. Abbas will among other roles act as the ceremonial figurehead of the University.

UMMA medical students briefed the new Chancellor and the management team on how students learn at the University Theater.

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Nairobi: Dr. Abbas Gullet Receives an Honorary Award

The Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet was honored with an Honorary award, Doctor of Humane Letters by Kenyatta University on their 39th graduation, held on18th December 2015. The award is in recognition of his outstanding achievements in transforming the lives of thousands of Kenyans.

The name Abbas Gullet is synonymous with KRCS and humanitarian work. Consequently, Gullet’s role in humanitarian work has been recognised and appreciated by many individuals, organisations and the Government of Kenya. Dr. Abbas has previously received other awards in recognition of his work with the vulnerable.

They include:

• ListedasoneoftheTop100MOSTINFLUENTIALAFRICANSin the Forbes Africa Magazine 2011.

• Awarded an honorary award of Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the Kenyan Government in December 2012.

• Awarded Brand Kenya Ambassador Awards 2013 inrecognition of his selfless and excellent humanitarian service in November 2013.

• AwardedasaLifetimeAchieverinWelfareandCivilSocietyOrganisations by Titans in August 2014.

• Received an Honorary Fellow Member Award by theKenya Institute of Management in November 2014.

These awards reflect the leadership qualities of Dr. Abbas. History has shown that leadership determines the success of an organisation.

Nairobi: Annual charity Golf Tournament

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), Karen Langata Branch held its 2nd Annual charity Golf Tournament on 26/02/2016 at Karen Country Club. The Tournament attracted at least 40 Golfers who contested to emerge the best with the main aim of raising funds for charity.

The best participants were awarded with gift hampers by Guarantee Trust Bank (GT) who were the main sponsors of the event. The GT Bank also presented a cheque worth Ksh. 200,000 to the Karen Langata Branch as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

In attendance were Member of parliament Langata, ;Hon.Joash Olum , Member of parliament Embakasi, Hon.John Ogutu and Member of Parliament Vihiga, Hon. Yusuf Chanzu.

KRCS Ayaz Manji Representing the KRCS team at the Charity Golf Tournament.

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1. When did you start working for The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS)?

I started working at KRCS in September 2008.

2. Describe your journey, since you became the Kenya Red Cross Society Regional Manager Lower Eastern?

This is the first time I am getting this high level appointment and I thank the Secretary General for this opportunity. It has been fairly busy considering that this year we have elections as Red Cross. Our members are quite informed and concerned about the work we do as staff so ahead of The Annual General Meeting, we have made a lot of arrangements in adjusting from the earlier structure of regional System and set up county structures and systems that will enable us contribute to the organisations objectives in Governance and programming.

3. TellusabouttheLowerEasternRegionandtheBranches. Lower Eastern Region has 5 Counties namely; Nairobi, Kajiado,

Machakos, Kitui and Makueni. All these are classified under Arid and Semi Arid areas except for Nairobi. Nairobi County has 3 KRCS sub county branches –Parklands, Nairobi and Karen Langata, Kitui has two KRCS sub Counties, -Kitui and Makueni. All the branches are doing fairly well and it is hard to get a uniform scale to weigh them. Nairobi has the highest number of members while Machakos has an office complex and houses many tenants. Kitui and Kajiado covers some of the most vast Counties with a lot of challenges and Makueni has very vibrant projects and covers probably the longest section of Mombasa Highway. All branches are almost at par in operations and like siblings, they demand same level of attention.

4. KRCS has been implementing various food, security and riskreduction programmes in the region. Tell us more about these projects?

The region has two projects that are currently underway, Tseikuru Food security projects and Kibwezi Integrated Food Security and Livelihood Project (IFSL). These projects are aimed at building and/or strengthening of community resilience to drought and climate change with social protection components. We have already completed a similar IFSL project in Loitoktok in Kajiado County and we have learnt a lot from the project. I am glad that the target groups are getting good quantity and quality of food. We also work with communities and venture in areas that many partners have never tried.

5. What are some of the benefits that the residents are enjoying through the food and security and risk reduction programmes in the region?

Farmers are more cautions with what they are doing, it is not just farming for the sake of it; they want to know if the activity is profitable. Secondly they want to end dependence on donations and concentrate on household nutrition.

6. KRCS historically has been implementing water and sanitation projects through Watsan programs in Kitui and Kajiado Counties. Tell us about the programmes.

These projects were a great success at the time when they were done. Few have lagged behind and no longer serve 100% of the purpose intended because of management. Some committees have disintegrated while others are running so well. They have assisted the communities to get water in areas that were so difficult to find any. For the few that have failed to work, they are in use during the drought season and that is an encouragement because they still provide solution to water related problems. The lesson we have learnt from this is that we need to empower branches and volunteers to continue providing guidance and monitoring support even after projects have been closed.

7. Whatdoyouenjoymostaboutyourwork? When I make change in someone’s life or ease difficulty I get

satisfaction. KRCS provides an avenue that one is able to see the results almost immediately. Disaster Response is one key thing that I like; It is always challenging. The event may be similar to another but each occurrence is unique and requires careful thought.

8. Lessons that you have learnt from your experience, working with KRCS:

Working with KRCS demands two very important things; Flexibility and swiftness. I have in many occasions found myself planning to do 1,2, 3 activities in a day or plan to travel while off duty and suddenly something unexpected happens. The event is in itself a trigger to change plans. People look up to The Red Cross and in many occasions as well, one has limited opportunities to consult. Whatever the case, one must make quick and safe decisions.

9. Whatwouldyousaymotivatesyouor inspiresyou todoyourwork?

The desire to help people in need and fear of failing. I always try and make sure that whatever I set to do must be accomplished. This pushes me to always strive and make things work regardless of the situation.

10. When not at work, what else do you love doing? I am a farmer and tractor mechanic. I like ploughing my farm using

my tractor.

11. Tell us about your first job. I was a police officer performing general duties and later specialized

in investigations. I worked at several police stations after graduating from Police College where I was the best all round recruit of the year 2000.

12. How would you describe yourself? I never give up easily on a task. I always try and get alternative ways of

achieving the results.

MEET THE REGIONAL MANAGERLOWER EASTRENMICHAEL AIYABEIGod has given me an opportunity to serve humanity, so it’s an assignment I must accomplish, so each day I pray for wisdom and energy to work hard and serve the purpose for which God wants me to”


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13. Bestandworstmomentsinyourcareer? My best moment in my career was when I was given an opportunity

to serve on loan to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) in Sudan. I learnt a lot of things during that assignment and achieved milestones in personal development. My worst time in the KRCS was when I was responding to the attack in Mpeketoni. I had prepared myself and the team I was leading to rescue and save lives but it was unfortunate that the task turned to recovery of bodies and dead body management. I felt that I had failed to make the correct assessment and judgment of the situation.

13. Howwasyourchildhoodlike? Quite interesting. I was very swift in most of the things I was doing; I

liked gymnastics, and later on I matched like a solder after joining the scouts movement. May be that is what shaped me to be a police man. Most of my friends since class 6 were much older than me and they really helped in mentoring me to be hard working.

14. Anythingthatyouareproudoforregretdoingwhenyouwereyoung?

Yes, I was once sent with a neighbour’s bicycle to town which was about 7 Km away. While returning, the spokes broke, instead of reporting to the owner what had happened, I decided to delay and only get the bicycle back when it was dark. I had not thought that in the morning the owner will know. It was so stupid of me and I regretted the act.

15. When growing up, what was your dream job? I wanted to be a clinician.

16. If you were not working for KRCS which other career would you choose? And why?

I would be an investigator or practice agricultural mechanics.

17. If youwere tomeet or bewith the president of Kenya, whatwould you tell him or do?

He needs to invest in monitoring and evaluation systems of Government, so that work is done and to the right standard. I would tell him not to be too much hands off especially on economic steering sectors –roads, electricity and agriculture.

18. Your fondest childhood memory: Making toys especially ‘rally cars’ from plain fence wires.

19. Favouritesong:Hymn: “Count your blessings, name

them one by one.”

20. Why did you choose to work for Kenya Red Cross?

I think time had come as I progressively went into disaster management in the police force and I wanted to be in a place I could do it at all times. So when an advert was placed in the paper, I did not think twice moving to The Red Cross.

21. Which habit(s) do you have and think you can never stop?

I kind of look too much into details. While visiting, one time someone asked me if I am investigating something, I felt embarrassed.

22. What book are you currently reading? 360° leader by John C. Maxwel.

23. Whatisthemostinspiringquote/messageyouhaveevercomeacross?

‘Words are not saliva that you will swallow back!’ This quote helps me to be careful with what I say at any time. It is the reason why I am economical with words.

24. Whatdrivesyou? God has given me an opportunity to serve humanity, so it’s an

assignment I must accomplish. Each day I pray for wisdom and energy to work hard and serve the purpose for which God wants me to.

25. What is your favourite dish? Chapati.

26. Any greatest fears in life? Going mad. I can imagine how terrible it can be when you are living

and can’t control what one is doing through.

27. If youhad the chance to travel anywhere in theworld,wherewould you go and why?

I would like to visit Israel and see The Early Christian Towns and preserved sites.

28. How has your work here at Kenya Red Cross influenced or shaped the way you see the world? Have you changed?

The KRCS has helped me notice that Kenya and Africa at large is equal to Countries in other continents. We are not inferior. I have also seen that as a Country, we have some of the best emerging technologies to solve modern problems and others learn from us. This gives me a lot of confidence in executing my work within and outside the organisation. I have also learnt to multi task and run more than one assignment at a time. This brings skill on optimum use of resources.

29. Lastly, In fewwords,describethe futureplans forKRCSLowerEastern Region.

The biggest plan for Lower Eastern is to ensure that each branch has its own office space and is able to generate resources to run its operations with minimal support from Headquarters.


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