ACORD

Context in Kenya

Kenya is slowly recovering from the violence, destruction, burning of property and displacement from homes that was witnessed following the disputed presidential elections of 27 December, 2007. The once peaceful and stable country, recognised as 'an island of peace amidst a sea of civil strife' was thrown into a political and economic crisis as people engaged in lawlessness, ethnic hostilities and paralyzed transport facilities crucial for the movement of supplies from the port of Mombasa to other eastern Africa countries such as Uganda and Rwanda. 

The violence left over 1,000 lives lost, and more than 600,000 people displaced from their homes in the Rift Valley, Western and Central provinces of Kenya, as well as in the slums around Nairobi, notably Kibera. According to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), an estimated 11,000 people fled into neighbouring Uganda and another 1,000 to Tanzania. Many are yet to return to their homes fearing that the hostilities are yet to subside in addition to lack of homes to return to as most were burnt down, destroyed or re-occupied by strangers. 

However, after 2 months of clashes, a power-sharing agreement was brokered between the two main contesting political parties and a coalition government was established at the end of February. While this was a big step forward in ending the chaos and anarchy, Kenya still faces serious problems stemming from the post-election violence. The underlying problems that caused the fighting have yet to be fully addressed and will take extensive effort to mitigate. 

ACORD Action Plan

In response to the post-election crisis, the Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD) planned to re-establish shelter and livelihoods for post-election violence victims through a response that supports livelihoods recovery through activities that provide capital for resumption of agriculture and other livelihoods and provision of materials for rebuilding of shelters. Alongside this, the project was expected to implement peace-building activities to contribute to the prevention of conflict. Finally, specific activities will also be integrated to contain and provide continuing support to HIV and AIDS patients as well as victims of gender-based violence.

As part of a three-year programme on sustainable livelihoods, conflict resolution and peace-building, ACORD has targeted shelter and livelihoods interventions to be implemented for a period of one year in the most affected areas of the western parts of Kenya such as Bomet, Bungoma, greater Kisii, Lugari, Nakuru, Narok, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and the area around Mount Kenya region (Timau and Laikipia). The programme objectives during the implementation period are outlined below:

- To support people affected by the post-election violence resume their livelihoods and rebuild their shelters.

- To help people deal with trauma resulting from the post-election violence and prevent further harmful effects.

- To contribute towards preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Read about the Launch of the 2008 Kenya Emergency Project.

Responding to the needs of marginalized communities

ACORD is also implementing a water access and improved school infrastructure project in Kajiado District which started in January 2008 and is expected to take 12 months. The target area falls within Kenya's marginalized arid and semi-arid lands and is primarily inhabited by the Maasai pastoralists.

The project aims at enhancing access to clean water, basic education and improved health care for the Maasai pastoralists living in the remote, drought-prone and semi-arid part of Kilonito Sub-location of kajiado District. The project will also increase school enrolment by constructing and equipping 5 additional classrooms and sanitation facilities for Kilonito Primary School. The clean water provision project is serving an estimated 300 households as well as their 11,000 heads of cattle and will include training pump attendants, water committee and school committee members to ensure management, maintenance and project sustainability. 

With a view to also lay the basis for long-term food security and food sovereignty in Kajiado, ACORD has been supporting water provision, livestock health services, post-drought rehabilitation, access to food by facilitating foor transportation and conducting baseline surveys as well as promoting community dialogues to understand the context and respond to the immediate and long-term issues to be addressed both at local and national levels. 

Working with the communities through coordination

The project has been identified and designed in close cooperation with the indigenous local organisation, Neighbourhoods Initiative Alliance (NIA) and the Kilonito community. In addition, ACORD has been working closely through its networking and partnership development with several international, Pan African and regional organizations based in Nairobi. Oxfam Hong Kong (OHK) and Jersey Overseas Aid have continued to respond to ACORD's appeals for support and have demonstrated a strong leadership.