In 2023, Kenya faced a complicated food security situation. A prolonged drought since 2020, worsened by the El Niño phenomenon in early 2024, damaged harvests and livestock production. This made areas across the country which are already exposed to these phenomena, especially Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), even more vulnerable.
As a result, 2.8 million people were affected by acute food insecurity, with many pregnant and breastfeeding women and children aged 6 to 59 months with acute malnutrition .
The Kenya Cash Consortium (KCC) was led by Acted and the ASAL Humanitarian Network (AHN) in collaboration with Oxfam, Concern Worldwide, IMPACT, and DanChurch Aid. The KCC provided Multi-Purpose Cash (MPC) to help the drought-affected communities in the ASAL Counties.
The project aimed to support households affected by food insecurity and malnutrition in the Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit, and Samburu areas of Kenya and targeted 9,231 households equivalent to 55,133 individuals.
| Shukshi Muna[1], a 45-year-old widow and mother of seven children (four boys, and three girls) faced a difficult situation when her home in Dariqa village was destroyed by flash floods. Not only was her house washed away, but her pit latrine collapsed and many of her animals were killed. The people in her community empathised with her situation and decided to link her with the EU project implemented by RACIDA through partnership with Acted, aimed to address the food and basic needs of vulnerable communities affected by the crisis. Shukshi benefitted from the multipurpose cash transfer and thanks to the funds she received, she was able to cater for her family’s basic needs and would save some amount that she used to purchase a sewing machine and start her sewing business in her community. |
[1] Names of beneficiaries have been changed to protect their identities.
I have 7 children with nowhere to go and no family to rely on; luckily, I found a makeshift place to stay outside Dariqa, but I could not provide for my children.
Things have taken a positive turn for her family. Her children can now go to school because of her income from her small business. She has also purchased a goat with the hope of making an extra income soon.
Shukria, seated outside her thatched house, exudes resilience in her weary but determined eyes. Her fingers crossed telling tales of hard work and sacrifice. Wearing simple clothes, she emanates a quiet strength as she cares for and comforts her children on her lap, displaying a haven amidst life’s challenges.
Her face and staring eyes reflect hope though exhibited with subtle lines that weave a narrative of her life’s experiences. Determination resides in her eyes, offering a glimpse into the depth of her resilience. Though weary by life’s struggles, her expression carries a quiet grace, framing the enduring spirit within her.
Words are not enough to describe how my situation changed, from engaging in hard labour for survival to becoming a business owner. I am now independent and can provide for the basic needs of my family.
This initiative, supported by the EU and executed by Acted and AHN partners offers a more considerate and honourable form of aid, allowing 1,122 refugee households to prioritize their requirements and make decisions accordingly.
Through the provision of monetary transfers, individuals in need are less likely to resort to detrimental coping mechanisms such as engaging in survival sex, exploiting child labour, experiencing family separation, or being forced into marriages.
Furthermore, this intervention yields a direct positive impact on the local economy and is contributing to fostering peaceful coexistence with the host communities.