Supporting Kenya in the Wake of Devastating Floods

The Causes and Impact

In late 2023, Kenya experienced above-average rainfall, which has continued since March. Meteorologists attribute this rise in rainfall to the El Niño phenomenon, alongside human-caused climate change. 

Within just two days in May, regions across Kenya were hit with over half a month’s rainfall, leading to severe flooding and hundreds of fatalities. Furthermore, the saturated land has killed livestock, destroyed thousands of acres of crops, and damaged infrastructure, delaying relief efforts. 

A huge amount of destruction occurred in Nairobi and Mombasa. These are two cities that have seen rapid population growth in the last few decades as millions of people migrated from more rural areas. This population growth has led to the construction of many informal settlements on flood-prone land next to rivers and lakes. Those who have found homes in these informal settlements are among the most affected by the recent floods. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, their access to clean water contaminated and food supplies have been washed away or spoiled. 

Community-Led Disaster Response

Community-driven disaster relief efforts are providing essential support. Organisations like the Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI) and the Innovators 4 Climate Action Foundation have been at the forefront of these efforts. They have distributed food, clothing, bedding, and more to those in temporary accommodation. 

“The floods have brought immense hardship to families, displacing people and leaving many desperate for assistance. We have collected and sent clothes and household items to those affected in the Mathare and Kawangware informal settlements in Nairobi,” says Shyleen Momanyi, Executive Director of YWLI. “We’ve also secured temporary accommodation for activists who have lost their homes and donated to support a community kitchen. This week, we are mobilising resources and volunteers to provide further relief.”  

However, the need for emergency supplies far exceeds what these organisations can currently provide. 

What Can We Do?

Womankind Worldwide is determined to stand by these incredible activists who are supporting families to get their lives back on track. We have launched an emergency appeal to send vital funds to the organisations in Kenya providing relief to those affected. 100% of donations will go directly to providing relief for those impacted by flooding in Kenya.  

With funds raised we hope to supply the following items to those impacted:

• Food Packages
• Household Items; blankets, sheets, mattresses, mosquito nets, clothes
• Educational Materials; Books, pens, school bags, and uniforms
• Sanitary Pads

Gendered Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is more than just an environmental issue. It is also a social injustice that worsens existing inequalities within communities. People who are already socially insecure suffer even more from the impacts of climate change. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that women are disproportionately vulnerable to the changing climate and the consequences it brings. Women represent 80% of people displaced by extreme weather and are 14 times more likely to die in a climate change-related disaster than men.  

Womankind Worldwide is committed to supporting the incredible activists that have rushed to provide emergency support to those who have lost their homes. One of these Innovators 4 Climate Action Foundation states, “Remember, resilience is born from unity. Let us support one another with compassion and determination.”  

We’re determined to stand by the activists who are supporting families to get their lives back on track. Could you chip in?

100% of your donation will go directly to providing relief for those impacted by flooding in Kenya.

DONATE NOW

UPDATE: The floods have happened in the context of an increasing cost of living in Kenya. This has lead to deepening economic hardships for the most marginalised women and girls. There are currently mass protests against the current Finance Bill which if passed, will make it harder for the majority of people to afford basic needs. Over 25 protesters have been killed and over 200 injured in clashes against the state police. As of the 26th June, the bill has been dropped by the President but unrest is ongoing. We remain in close contact with our partners in Kenya during this time.