Kenya Humanitarian Update Volume 35

UNITED

NATIONS

HUMANITARIAN UPDATE vol. 35 4 September – 10 September 2008 Office of the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Kenya HIGHLIGHTS • A crisis situation is emerging in the Mandera districts due to consecutive failed rains; forecasts suggest that the situation may continue to deteriorate after the short rains. • The Kenyan Red Cross reported that there are 13,164 IDPs in 10 main IDP camps; the KRCS, WFP and an interagency assessment noted that there were at least 99,198 IDPs in 160 transit sites; the Government reported that 234,098 IDPs had returned to predisplacement areas by 28 August. • UNICEF highlighted that over 95,000 children under the age of five and pregnant and breastfeeding women are malnourished. Of that number, 10,000 are severely malnourished. • A diarrhoea outbreak in Bungoma East, Bungoma West and Mount Elgon districts kills six while at least 171 seek treatment according to the Kenya Red Cross. The information contained in this report has been compiled by OCHA from information received from the field, from national and international humanitarian partners and from other official sources. It does not represent a position from the United Nations. This report is posted on: http://ochaonline.un.org/kenya I.

General Overview

Six months after the contested General Election in Kenya led to widespread post election violence (PEV) and the eventual formation of a Grand Coalition Government, a Gallup Poll was conducted to obtain popular opinions on past grievances, satisfaction with the current leadership and the way forward. Conducted between 19 June and 9 July across all provinces in Kenya, the Poll included a sample of 2,200 people. The results suggest that there is widespread speculation that the General Election was not conducted honestly: 70% of those polled questioned the veracity of the results. Measured against historical figures, confidence in the democratic system has declined from 63% in 2006 to only 22% in 2008 while confidence in the judicial system declined form 55% in 2007 to only 36% in 2008. Meanwhile, the conduct of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) has been under intense scrutiny by the Commissions of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (CIPEV) and the Poll reported that 68% of those questioned held the ECK directly responsible for the PEV.

The most pressing issues for the Government to address moving forward. Gallup Poll, 8 September

The CIPEV is currently compiling its report after hearing public testimony and there have been widespread calls for the final report to be made public so as to ensure that those behind the violence are held accountable. The heated debate and close divisions in society over whether perpetrators of PEV should be given amnesty was reconfirmed during the Poll: 48% said that those who have been arrested should be prosecuted and sentenced if found guilty; 23% said they should be prosecuted but given amnesty if found guilty and 28% said they should be released without a trial. However, there were positive signs that reconciliation could transcend the amnesty debate as an overwhelming majority (82%) agreed that they could coexist peacefully in their city or community with all Kenyans, regardless of their ethnicity or tribal affiliation. As Kenyan households feel the pressure of increased inflation with rising commodity prices, the issues of economic security and development were highlighted in the Poll as key areas for the Government to address and only 7% of those polled felt that the return of IDPs was the most pressing issue. Meanwhile, in an effort to bolster public confidence in the economy, Kenya’s Central Bank announced that inflation was expected to fall below 20% by January 2009. Inflation rates in August were at 27.6%, up form 18.2% in January. II. Humanitarian Situation Crisis Situation in Mandera West District The situation in the Mandera districts is worsening and humanitarian partners, including Action Against Hunger, Save the Children UK, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse and Islamic Relief, report that a crisis situation is emerging. Water resources have been depleted after consecutive failed rains in 2007 and 2008 and the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts that the forthcoming short rains will be only near normal to below normal throughout most of the northeast, including Mandera. Meanwhile, many wells and water pans have dried up and some communities have relied on trucked water for the past two months. Furthermore, an influx of pastoralists from neighbouring countries is increasing the pressure on scarce resources. Approximately 80% of the population in the region are pastoralists whose coping mechanisms have been eroded due to the successive failed rains. Deteriorated quantity and quality of pasture areas has forced early

October – November -December 2008 Rainfall Forecast Source: Kenya Meteorological Department

migrations and herds to trek long distances, which has negatively impacted body conditions and milk production. Livestock diseases are also ravaging weakened herds, including peste des petits ruminants (PPR), which has killed some three million small ruminants since 2006. With a deteriorating livelihoods and food security situation in the region, malnutrition is also increasing: global acute malnutrition rates have increased Action Against Hunger, March 2008

in all divisions since 2007 (as of March 2008) and are almost twice the

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emergency level in some areas. Food prices have also increased between 60-120% in some areas while reduced access to water has led to poor hygiene and sanitation, which is increasing the spread of diseases. The deteriorating situation is also exacerbating resource-based conflicts and UN Department of Safety and Security reported that flashpoints are arising, particularly related to boreholes. Tensions are also high in the region related to the movement of militia over the border with Somalia. To address the critical situation in Mandera, urgent interventions are required, including increased funds for water trucking to the district; increased funding for ready-made supplementary feeding inputs (wet feeding); and increased funding for the general food distribution to cover all those in need. Food Security Noting that approximately 1.34 million are affected by food insecurity in Kenya, UNICEF highlighted that over 95,000 children under the age of five and pregnant and breastfeeding women are malnourished. Of that number, 10,000 are severely malnourished. According to the LRA, substantial areas of the northern, eastern pastoral and coastal clusters were highly food insecure (see areas highlighted in orange in the map). The Kenya Food Security Update highlighted that insufficient and erratic rainfall during the long rains has had a particularly negative impact on pastoralists’ livelihoods due to declined water availability and

Kenya Food Security Update, (FEWSNET, USAID, WFP, Ministry of Agriculture and ALRMP) August 2008.

Declining Livestock Prices in the agro-pastoral areas of Baringo district

deteriorated pasture and livestock conditions. This has resulted in accelerated early migrations; loss in livestock body conditions, linked in part to increased and extensive trekking distances; increased susceptibility to livestock diseases (including PPR); and heightened conflict due to competition for scarce resources, resulting in loss of life and the rendering of pasture areas and markets inaccessible. Furthermore, the Update highlighted that the terms of trade for livestock have reduced, coupled with an increase in cereal and food prices (70-120% higher than the five-year average). Underscoring the urgency of the situation of the highly food insecure, UNICEF noted that in the drought-affected areas of northern and eastern Kenya, negative coping mechanisms are emerging, which could affect individuals’ long-term development, such as school drop-outs. According to the Update, the northern and eastern pastoral clusters, and significant areas of the agro-pastoral and marginal agricultural clusters had moderate deterioration in food security (see areas in yellow in the map above); approximately 500,000 persons are affected by moderate food insecurity in these areas. Many of the conditions affecting the pastoral cluster areas have also impacted food security in this group, while there was also an estimated 80% to near total crop failure in some agricultural areas. Furthermore, purchasing power was reduced due to a 60% increase in the price of food and non-food commodities since January. Due to the precarious food

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security situation in these areas, the Update noted that if the short rains fail, agricultural households in this group will face an increasing livelihoods crisis. The Update highlighted that PEV-affected areas and parts of Mount Elgon district remain in the emergency phase. Many IDPs continue to rely on food assistance and the capacity of some communities who had provided assistance to IDPs is declining. Many IDPs and returnees therefore remain at an emergency phase because they have lost much of their capital and assets with which to re-build their livelihoods. They require urgent livelihoods support in addition to continued food assistance. It is estimated that 2.3 million MTs will be harvested between August and January 2009, which is 10% lower than the short-term average. The Update noted that the there is a 297,000 MT deficit in the strategic grain reserve to cover food needs during this period. The Government plans to import approximately 80,000 MTs of maize from South Africa by October, but will regulate imports so as to ensure that they have a minimal impact on national grain producer incomes. However, it is unlikely that producer prices will be affected as the FEWSNET Report on Market Prices highlighted that wholesale prices for white maize had increased by nearly a third in some markets between April and June. Maize prices are expected to stay above the historical average, which will continue to impact household food insecurity for those that depend on markets. WFP reported that a rapid food security assessment is being planned in the PEV- affected areas in September and October to review beneficiary needs after the September harvest. (The full Update and Report on Market Prices can be found at www.fews.net)

Diarrhoeal Outbreak in Western Kenya

Health KRCS reported a suspected diarrhoeal outbreak in Bungoma East, Bungoma West and Mount Elgon districts on 9 September (see map below): KRCS confirmed that at least six people died due to the outbreak and at least 171 have been treated. The district Medical Health Officers have collected water samples to determine the cause of the outbreak and KRCS is providing medical support in conjunction with Government health

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officers. MSF reported that so far 25 samples have tested negative for cholera but ten have tested positive for E. coli bacteria. KRCS also distributed an assortment of medical supplies to Kimilili District Hospital and other health centres in Kimalewa and Kapkateny districts. Suspected sources of the outbreak include contaminated well and river water, which communities use before it is treated. Mount Elgon The Government refuted recent reports that it is withdrawing security forces from the Mount Elgon region. It was clarified that the Government plans to maintain a permanent security presence in the region and a military camp at Bene Ndega is currently under construction. However, it was reconfirmed that troop numbers have been reduced following the completion of the initial operation to rout the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) Militia. It was also noted that a total of 30 police and administration stations have been established to further support security in the region. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) highlighted sentiments aired in several community demonstrations, which have supported the Government’s maintenance of a security presence in the region. In particular, IRC has noted the importance of ensuring protection, particularly against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the region. The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) reported that residents have requested the Government to exhume approximately 46 bodies of relatives who were allegedly killed by the SLDF so they can be given proper burials. Security UNDSS reported that threats were made by youth in Garissa district, demanding employment from humanitarian agencies in the district. Provincial and district authorities are following up with local police to address the issue while movement without security escorts in the region is unadvisable. Population Movements and Displacement Trends The KRCS reported that there were 25,296 IDPs in 48 IDP camps as of 1 September and 13,164 IDPs in the 10 main camps as of 5 September. The KRCS, WFP and an interagency assessment concluded that there were at least 99,198 IDPs in 160 transit sites. The Ministry of State for Special Programmes (MoSSP) reported that as of 28 August, 234,098 IDPs had returned to predisplacement areas. The majority of returns have taken place from Molo district (43,277 persons) followed by Kipkelion (23,992 persons) and Trans Nzoia West districts (21,472 persons).

Total IDP Camps in Kenya

Total IDPs in Camps in Kenya 350

350,000 300

300,000

296

301,643 250

250,000

247

235

234,725 200

202,470

200,000

157,958

150,000

Total

157

150

Total

123 100,000

84,752

102

100

71,845

50,000

24,076 25,269

48

50

50

28 ‐A ug

31 ‐Ju l

14 ‐A ug

3‐ Ju l

17 ‐Ju l

19 ‐Ju n

ay

5‐ Ju n

8‐ M ay

22 ‐M

24 ‐A pr

ar

10 ‐A pr

27 ‐M

b

ar

28 ‐F e

13 ‐M

n 31 ‐Ja

b

0 14 ‐F e

ug 28 ‐A

l

ug 14 ‐A

l 17 ‐ Ju

31 ‐ Ju

n

Ju l 3‐

Ju n 5‐

19 ‐Ju

ay

ay

M 8‐

22 ‐M

pr

pr 10 ‐A

24 ‐A

ar

ar 27 ‐M

eb 28 ‐F

13 ‐M

n 31 ‐Ja

14 ‐F

eb

0

Source: KRCS 27 August

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South Rift Valley IDP Camps 27

IDP Camp Population 15,610

Source, Kenya Red Cross, 27 August

Naivasha District

District Molo Narok Kipkelion Total

Number of Transit Sites 42 1 1 64

Population in Transit Sites 51,756 3,642 500 40,471

Between 6-8 September, conflict over land between agriculturalists and pastoralists resulted in Source, Inter-agency assessment 10-11 June for Molo and Narok South districts; KRC/WFP Distribution Plans, the displacement of 200 individuals from Maela to 23 August for Kipkelion district (including transit sites Kongoni police station, Naivasha district and only from the distribution list) Peacenet reported that some lives were lost during the clashes. The situation of the new IDPs at Kongoni police station is being monitored by World Vision, KRCS, UNHCR and OCHA. Molo district A joint UNHCR, WFP and OCHA team visited Kehingo, Njoro division, Molo district on 12 August to monitor the returns situation. It was reported by community members that returnees were not returning to their farms but were living with community members and working on their farms during the day; full return to their pre-displacement homes has been reportedly constrained due to insecurity. Mistrust and suspicion were also reportedly widespread in the division. Peace committees had been initiated in the communities, but after reaching a stalemate they were discontinued and support to reinitiate the committees and mediate disputes is being sought. North Rift Valley IDP Camps 6

IDP Camp Population 7,709

District

Source, Kenya Red Cross, 27 August

The Government has made statements reconfirming that it has sufficient funds to provide each family Ksh10,000 (USD 166) in start up funds, as well as shelter support and has accelerated the returns process in the North Rift. However, there have been widespread reports in local media that some IDPs are refusing to leave IDP camps because they are not being paid the start up funds, or they feel the funds are insufficient to restart their livelihoods.

Uasin Gishu Trans Nzoia West Lugari Kisumu Nyamira Masaba Bungoma East Bungoma South Koibatek Nandi North Nandi South TOTAL

Number of Transit Sites 48 8

Population in Transit Sites

13 2 1 1 3

4,031 253 194 204 319

1

24

1 11 7

254 3,845 6,168

96

58,727

26,152 17,283

There are also outstanding concerns that some areas of return may not be suitable for returns, KRC/WFP Distribution Plans, 23 August (including which could lead to an increased number of IDPs transit sites and transit farms on the distribution list) relocating to transit sites when they leave IDP camps. There are also significant populations of squatters that may not have homes or land to return to when IDP camps are closed. Two major camps in the North Rift have already been closed, including the Endebess IDP camp, Kwanza district (with at least 600 IDPs) and Noigam IDP Camp, Trans Nzoia district (with 315 IDPs). During the returns process 23 households from Endebess IDP camp and 20 households at Noigam IDP camp claimed that they were not paid the start-up funds by the Government; however, they had to leave the IDP camps and UNHCR and OCHA are following up with the authorities to

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resolve the issue. Eight families are being accommodated by the Catholic Church while families in Endebess are camping near the DC’s office. Approximately 3,787 people remain in the Eldoret ASK Showground IDP Camp, Uasin Gishu district; 278 people remain in the Burnt Forest IDP Camp, Uasin Gishu district; and 1,320 people remain in the Kapsabet IDP Camp, Nandi North district. Nairobi Province The Dagoretti Waithaka IDP camp in Nairobi district was closed during the reporting period and at least 209 households were provided Government start-up funds during the returns process. The Provincial Administration announced plans to close the remaining camps in Nairobi in the near future; however, many of those remaining in the camps do not have homes to return to. There is a large population of landlords whose properties were taken over during the PEV and there are also squatters who do not have homes or land to return to. Western Province The Kakamega Central DC’s Office distributed the start-up funds of KSh 10,000 (USD 166) to 168 households at the Kakamega Police Station IDP Camp on 4 September. The DC’s Office informed IDPs that they were required to leave the following day, though an extension was allowed for vulnerable IDPs. There were some disturbances in the camp when IDPs misperceived the presence of police, who had been called to deal with some disruptive community members inside the camp. III. Humanitarian Response Emergency Humanitarian Response Plan Funding as of 3 September Original Requirements: 41,938,954 Revised Requirements: 191,929,303 Funding: 108,587,825/ 56.58% Unmet Requirements: 83,341,478

Food Assistance September food distribution plans are being finalized for PEVaffected areas. WFP and FAO will conduct a rapid food security assessment after the September harvest to reassess beneficiary needs. In the North Rift and KRCS is finalizing the distribution of 2011MT of food commodities provided by WFP to 134,706 beneficiaries. Delays were caused by drained stocks of vegetable oil in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu district, which have now

been replenished. WFP has dispatched 306MT of cereals to finalize the August distribution cycle in the South Rift for the remaining 26,910 beneficiaries. Planning for September distribution is underway with ongoing verification of beneficiaries as they move following the receipt of Government start-up payments. In agreement with the District Public Health Officer, 15.3MT of corn-soya bend (CSB) not clearly marked with manufacturing dates are scheduled to be tested. Protection The Protection Cluster is underscoring the need for voluntary return, particularly with regard to the closure of the Endebess IDP Camp, Kwanza district and Noigam IDP Camp, Trans Nzoia district. The Cluster has raised concerns that IDPs are being made to leave the camps despite their request for additional time to make arrangements for return or relocation. The International Rescue Committee is advocating for the protection of human rights of the population in Mt. Elgon. KRCS clarified that the ICRC is providing support to people displaced as a result of the conflict in the region; however, returnees from Trans Nzoia and other areas are in need of assistance. Four cases of GBV in Molo were reported at the SGBV Working Group meeting. Among IDPs there is a general lack of awareness about GBV, and survivors may not be able to access treatment because they are unable to pay fees. In addition, IDPs lack knowledge about their rights and the availability of protection. The majority of IDPs expressed concern over insecurity in the areas of return and alleged that reporting systems are corrupt. UNHCR conducted GBV

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sensitization exercises at Karirikania, Sawmill, and Molo IDP camps on 2 and 3 September. The SGBV Working Groups in both Molo and Nakuru districts are developing joint sensitization and orientation sessions on responding to SGBV for IDPs, humanitarian workers and Government officials. Who UNHCR

Place and date Kakamega 2&4 Sept

Kenya Youth Agaist GBV KRCS

Nairobi 5 Sept

NCCK

Molo

SCUK & Hope for Women

Molo

Activity/ Report Facilitated workshops on the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement to four provincial officials and 34 district administrators from Western Province. Provided training students on rape management. They are seeking additional funding to expand their trainings to college students in Nairobi. KRCS tracing team has reunited 35 of 55 unaccompanied minors through its media campaign. Implemented a mentor programme to reach 210 unaccompanied minors. NCCK intends to recruit more mentors Counselling parents on the risks associated with leaving their children unattended. SCUK have recommended to the Department of Children considering the prosecution of some parents for negligence, particularly in cases where babies and toddlers are left in the care of young children.

Shelter and Non Food Items The Government shelter project was launched in Molo district on 10 September 2008, officiated by the Minister for Special Programmes (MoSSP). The Government plans to establish 40,000 houses for those affected by the PEV, with partners, before March 2009 and is seeking additional funding to support this effort. The IOM shelter units will consists of a two-room unit with mud walls, a wooden door and iron sheet roofed. Peace and reconciliation messages were highlighted during the launch; however, during some returnees suggested that they were not yet willing to reconcile. The UNDP UNV in partnership with Nakuru Christian Professionals pledged to provide 50 beds to be distributed to vulnerable households in Ndeffo area of Molo district. The DRC shelter programme funded by UNHCR was launched in Karirikania, Molo District on 8 September. The launch was attended by the Molo District Commissioner, UNOCHA, UNHCR, DRC, UNDP UNV, area chiefs and councillors, returnees and the local community. The transitional shelter kit contains the materials to build a two room house, roofed with iron sheets, and tarpaulin walls with no doors. The returnees expressed concerns that tarpaulin walls were not cold proof and did not provide sufficient security and requested support to build mud walls. DRC and UNHCR agreed to try to source for additional resources to assist beneficiaries to upgrade the shelter kit. The Permanent Secretary for Internal Security led a Government delegation to launch the disbursement of KSh10,000 start-up capital and Ksh25,000 for shelter materials in Karirikania Farm, Molo District. Prior to the launch IDPs at Muchorwe Farm held a demonstration over the delayed payments and the PS assured demonstrators that the Government will facilitate payment. Inter-agency assessments continued for five transit sites in Uasin Gishu to verify numbers of IDPs not previously living in camps and in need of shelter materials and NFIs. Due to the ongoing government distribution of KSh10,000 two of the sites could not be accessed. The assessment identified approximately 500 households who had been living in communities, who were in need of shelter and NFIs. The distribution of NFIs in Uasin Gishu has been postponed pending the consignment of tarpaulins procured in Uganda with CERF funding. Who UNHCR GOAL

Place Muhoroni Town, Nyando Division, Nyanza 3 Sept Lelu, Nyaskia, Nyaribari in Nakuru 5 Sept

Activity/ Report Distributed 14 tents to vulnerable families identified by the Divisional Officer, area Chief and IDP representative. UNHCR will conduct a monitoring exercise in one month to verify use of the tents. Distributed UNHCR Family Kits to 182 families. Kit contents are mosquito nets, soap, kitchen set, jerry can, tarpaulins, and blankets.

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Education Contracts for volunteer teachers that were contracted by UNICEF in the camp schools expired on 31 July 2008; the education cluster will advocate with the Ministry of Education (MoE) for further support to volunteer teachers, as UNICEF’s support was temporary. The Cluster is working with the MoE to address challenges that could be faced by 288 primary school candidates from Eldoret Showground Primary School if the Eldoret ASK Showground IDP camp is closed before children take their exams: 91 of these children are from child-headed households and require additional support such as NFIs; 20 of the candidates are separated from their families. The Ministry of Education, confirmed that exam centres will be at the Wareng High School, St. Elizabeth Secondary School, and Arnessens, Langas and Race Course Primary Schools in the event of camp closure. The Education Sub-Committee also requested stakeholders to identify a boarding facility for the 91 candidates who have been separated from their families. According to Officers from the Ministry of Education, the Government’s position on all IDP students and candidates is that all parents should take full responsibility for ensuring that their children reach the exams centres. 40 Form 4 candidates have been unable to pay Kshs.1000 for their practical exams at Wareng High School, Usain Gishu district. Discussion are going on with the MoE to find a solution. An assessment carried out by an education officer to collect data on IDP children hosted in schools in Nyando district revealed that the district has over 4,200 IDP children in primary school and 120 in secondary schools. The assessment also provided information on the number of teachers at each school: there were 15 primary teachers who had left since the beginning of the PEV and five have since been posted to schools in the district; and nine secondary school teachers left and 10 have been posted in the district. However, according to the District Education Officer (DEO), the teachers posted to the district were not necessarily posted to the same schools from where the other teachers left. Some teachers were posted to schools of their choice, hence most of the schools are still understaffed, especially those that received IDP children. As of February 2008, the teacher shortage included 343 primary school teachers and 227 secondary school teachers; due to recent recruitments, the current shortage is 182 primary school teachers and 66 secondary school teachers. However, teachers to teach certain subjects are still lacking and the DEO has asked the MOE to allow schools to recruit teachers of their choice. The DEO’s office lacks manpower to carry out inspection and collect updated data for IDP children hosted in the schools in the district after four of their staff left due to PEV. The most affected schools were supported by different stakeholders as follows: Who Action Aid International Amani Counselling Cntr World Vision MOE

Place and date Kisumu

UNICEF

Kangemi, Joseph Kangethe, Bondeni, Kariobangi north schools in Nairobi district.

Kisumu Kisumu Kisumu

Activity/ Report o Established 4 toilets at St. Anne Primary school. o Training of primary and secondary teachers on psychosocial support. o Trained 20 secondary teachers, 20 primary teachers and 10 MOE staff on psychosocial support o Training on psychosocial support skills. o Contributed Ksh. 500,000 to Koru girls secondary for the rehabilitation of a dormitory that was burnt down during the PEV and put up 10 additional toilets. o Education supplies provided comprised of books (491), Education kit (14), T. Guide (256), school bags (358), desks (265), blackboards, and 13 tripod stands. o 105 toilets for pupils and 13 for teachers were also provided. o 9 teachers were trained on psychosocial in the four schools. o Feeding programmes were established at Kangemi, Kariobangi North and Joseph Kangethe schools.

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For more information, please contact: Jeanine Cooper, Head of Office, OCHA-Kenya, +254 (20)7625155, [email protected]. Rania Dagash, Desk Officer, Africa I Section, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 3668, [email protected]. Stephanie Bunker, Spokesperson and Public Information Officer, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, +1 917 892 1679 (mobile), [email protected]. Elisabeth Byrs, Public Information Officer, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, [email protected].

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