Rise in Covid brings renewed disruption and hardship in Kenya

 - our team in Naivasha re-starts the emergency aid programme as Kenya locks down again

An emergency pack of flour, fresh vegetables, cooking oil and soap brings a smile to the face of former street boy John Mbugua as the latest Covid restrictions come into force in Kenya.

On 26th March, Kenya's President Kenyatta ordered travel restrictions across 5 major counties and closure of hospitality businesses and places of worship, coupled with a halt to all in-person learning in Kenyan schools, colleges and universities.

The former street boys we care for at our Sunshine Centre, who had just settled back into school were sent home. Their parents, many of whom have lost their sources of income because of the restrictions, faced the impossible burden of feeding their boys for at least 7 weeks until the restrictions ease.

Our team in Naivasha immediately re-started the emergency aid programme which was so successful last year in keeping the boys and their families well-fed, and ensuring the boys stayed at home rather than drifting back into street life. 

Mastin, Achaya, Nelson, Mary and Augustine safely home in Kinamba with their emergency food and hygiene pack.

In April, our team reached 112 families with emergency packs, a total of 678 individual beneficiaries. We increased the size of the packs to try to make them last until the Covid restrictions are lifted.