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Monday 14 April 2008

Background

Following the controversial announcement of President Mwai Kibaki as the winner of the December 27 presidential elections, violence erupted across Kenya that engulfed most of the nation. More than 1000 people were killed and more than 350,000 people displaced by the turmoil. Around 150,000 people are still living in displacement camps.

Latest News

Kenya's president Mwai Kibaki has announced a new power-sharing cabinet naming opposition leader Raila Odinga as the new prime minister following a deal with the opposition to end the long-running political crisis.

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan helped secure a deal between Kenya’s rival political leaders in late February to solve the east African nation's post-election unrest. Last week violence erupted in some parts of the nation as demonstrators express their displeasure after the two sides failed to agree during talks on the sharing of the ministerial portfolio. It is hoped the power-sharing announcement will restore peace and end the recent violence.

Visit Reuters Alertnet for further news updates.

World Vision emergency response

World Vision's initial response to the crisis included the provision of relief supplies to 80,000 displaced people in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Mombasa and Kisumu. The relief supplies included food and non food items such as mosquito nets, blankets, soap, water containers, cooking utensils and shelter materials.

World Vision is continuing to support those affected by the violence. The emergency relief program, targeting over 70,000 displaced people across Kenya, includes the provision of food aid, shelter and non-food items including blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, mobile toilets, soap and sanitary towels. World Vision is also carrying out activities in water and sanitation, health and nutrition, peacebuilding, and the creation of child friendly spaces (where children can learn and play in a safe environment).

World Vision has been working in Kenya since 1974 and has programs across the country in primary health care, education, food security, water and sanitation and HIV and AIDS.

Donations

World Vision Australia is not appealing for donations. We have been able to provide life saving supplies to affected communities through funds available from ongoing sponsorship and emergency relief reserves. Continued support for our Emergency Relief Fund enables World Vision to respond immediately to emergencies such as the conflict in Kenya.

Australian Sponsored Children

No sponsored children were reported as affected by the new wave of demonstrations.

Three areas where Australian sponsored children live were affected by the initial outbreak of violence in January, the Kahawa, Wema and Ndabibi programs. Our ongoing development programs continue to opearate and our staff are doing all they can to ensure sponsored children and their families are adequately cared for.

Please be assured that if we receive information of concern regarding any sponsored children we will contact the sponsor as a matter of urgency.