Nov

Famine in Kenya

Newfrontiers in Kenya

There are 160 churches in Kenya who are part of the worldwide Newfrontiers family of churches. Many of these are based in the tribal area of Samburu and in ‘unreached’ areas such as Tharaka.

The current crisis

Many nations in that part of Africa are experiencing severe famine caused by a shortage of rain. This has come hard on the heals of the crisis which erupted at the end of 2007 following the elections. Inter-tribal conflict resulted in widespread destruction of property and crops and the internal displacement of tens of thousands of people. Many are still displaced.

Response

Through the Newfrontiers churches Edward Buria, who brings apostolic oversight to these churches, many of which he has planted, is seeking to alleviate the effects of the famine which is claiming the lives of many people, livestock and even wild animals. It is the worst drought since 1994. Recently, when some rain did fall it was torrential and caused more havoc, destroying roads and washing away the topsoil in which seed had been planted for next year’s harvest.

Edward Buria helps distribute food

The initiatives taken include the provision of food and emergency medical treatment, including treating some who have self-amputated parts of limbs following bites from snakes which have entered homesteads in search of water. They are also looking to help rebuild lives through the restocking of this pastoralist nomadic people with cattle and camels and to introduce a more sustainable solution through the provision of underground water tanks.

Recently I was privileged to spend time with Edward and was able to speak to him about this programme. I hope you will find the interview which follow helpful in understanding the situation the nation faces. At present approximately 10 million people in Kenya face severe food shortage.

Donations

If you wish to make a donation this may be sent to Newfrontiers, The Matrix Complex, 91 Peterborough Road, London, SW6 3BU and marked ‘Kenya Crisis 09’.