UNITED NATIONS

HUMANITARIAN UPDATE vol. 23 5 – 11 June 2008

Office of the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in

HIGHLIGHTS

• 77,880 IDPs remain in 111 IDP camps. • Initial findings from an inter-agency assessment of return areas and transit sites in the North Rift highlight intervention needs. • Rainfall reportedly below normal in the north western pastoral districts and in other localized pastoral areas, raising concerns about limited pasture and water resources.

The information contained in this report has been compiled by OCHA from information received from the field, from national and international humanitarian partners and from other official sources. It does not represent a position from the United Nations. This report is posted on: http://ochaonline.un.org/kenya

I. General Overview

Kenya’s long-term development plan, Vision 2030, was launched on 10 June, replacing the Economic Recovery Strategy. The first five years of the plan are captured in a Medium-term Plan, the first year of which consists of a Transitional Plan, expected to help spur economic growth in response to poor performance in 2008. The President also noted that the Medium Term Plan would address many areas relevant to recovery after the post-election violence (PEV), including: security; peace building; conflict management; revitalization of productive sectors – agriculture, tourism and business; and infrastructure development. The plan will be implemented through three pillars: an economic pillar designed to accelerate economic growth to 10%; a social pillar designed to achieve just, equitable and cohesive social development; and a political pillar which will reinforce an accountable democratic political system.

The budget for Vision 2030 is approximately USD 26 billion, 68% of which, the Government noted, will be financed by public-private partnerships and the balance through budgetary allocations. Indeed, at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, the Prime Minister attempted to attract increased investment, specifically for tourism and IT. Meanwhile, the current budget deficit in Kenya is USD 1.3 billion, which is 3.3% of the gross domestic product.

With the 2008-2009 budget to be launched on 12 June, MPs from pastoral areas are pushing for reforms that support pastoralist livelihoods. Noting that the sector is under-funded, a Pastoralist Parliamentary Group put forth a policy to boost productivity and support the empowerment of pastoralist communities, including the development of livestock and support to the newly created Ministry of Livestock.

Whilst the Grand Coalition presented a unified Vision for development, headway is also being made in efforts to ensure that the underlying drivers of PEV are addressed. The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Bill was presented to Parliament on 10 June. Meanwhile, the Chief Mediator for Agenda Four, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, says discussions are near conclusion.

Majority representation in the Parliament was to be determined during 11 June by-elections in five constituencies. The parliamentary seats remained empty after the 2007 elections: violence had prevented results from being announced in two constituencies; two Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmakers were killed during the PEV, one in and one in district; and one seat was left vacant when an ODM lawmaker was made Speaker of Parliament. As of 12 June, three seats had gone to the ODM and two to the Party of National Unity (PNU) in the by-elections. Furthermore, tragedy struck running up to the by-elections when two members of the Government, Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Home Affairs Minister Lorna Laboso, were killed in a plane crash on 10 June. They were en route to Kericho district to observe the by-elections. As per the by-election results, ODM has 103 seats and PNU has 104 seats; majority representation will now be determined by who replaces the two Ministers who died in the crash, both of whom belonged to the ODM Party.

The US State Department has removed Kenya from its trafficking in persons watch list, noting the progress that the country has made in combating human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour. However, it was noted that steps should be taken to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and to bring offenders to justice. The report noted that Kenya is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation. Humanitarian Situation

Food Security

At the Rome Food Summit, Kenya’s Agriculture Minister noted that more money would be provided for irrigation and increased credit would be available to farmers. In support of increased food security, the Minister highlighted on 9 June that USD 30.6 million was donated by FAO; USD 87 million from WFP; and USD 5.1 million from the International Fund for Agriculture Development. These funds are earmarked to provide fertilisers, livestock feed and vaccines as well as support for school-feeding programmes. The Kenya Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Agriculture are also discussing the provision of seeds that are quick producing, such as beans, to returning IDPs.

A Task Force on Food Security was formed to analyse the impact of food price increases and the food security situation in Kenya. Expected on 19 June, this analysis will provide the basis for the Government position on food security. Meanwhile District Steering Groups began training during the week of 10 June in preparation for the annual inter-agency Long Rains Assessment on 5 July. This assessment will be key in determining the effect of the long rains on agricultural and livestock productivity.

A green locust infestation is reportedly affecting pasture in Eldume location, Marigat town, Baringo district. Crops in the area had matured past the stage where the locusts could do any damage; however, livestock productivity could be affected by the reduction in pasture area. Government officials have agreed to send pesticides to the district. The banana wilt disease has also been reported in Teso and Busia districts and one farm in Busia has been quarantined. These short cycle crops have been promoted heavily this year as important boosts to agricultural production that was impacted by the PEV. The additional shocks on productivity from crop pests and diseases could reverse much needed gains in rebuilding food security in the country.

Drought

Rains continued in the western and coastal districts, which will improve the prospects for the long-rains crop production. However, rainfall has been Source: FEWS NET, 20-30 May below normal in the north western pastoral districts and in other localized pastoral areas, raising concerns about Source: FEWS NET, 20-30 May 2 limited pasture and water resources. There were reports that some dams have dried in district whilst some attempts to drill boreholes have failed. If rains do not improve, pastoral production may be impacted by scarce pasture and water for livestock.

The impact of the low rainfall on pastoralists will be compounded by Pest des Petits Ruminants (PPR), which is already prevalent in 16 districts in Kenya and had a mortality rate of 25% in April. In Turkana district alone, more than 350,000 sheep and goats have died from PPR since the disease broke out in late 2006.

Furthermore, a Deputy Director at the Kenya Forest Service stated that less than 35% of the 36 million trees planted in 2008 are expected to survive the inadequate rainfall in some areas. Further deforestation will lead to increased degradation of the land, which will compound the impact of low rainfall in Baringo district, Kenya some areas.

Landslides

In addition to the scourge caused by green locusts, landslides affected 1,200 people in Baringo district in eastern Kenya. Geologists have reportedly warned that the intensity of landslides would increase with heavy rains as the soil has already been degraded by insufficient and erratic rains. An emergency committee has been established by the District Commissioner (DC) and residents have been instructed to move from their farms.

Health

The African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF) highlighted some specific health needs emerging in the wake of the PEV. There is a need to integrate the prevention and treatment of gender-based violence, systematically used as a tool to promote political violence, into all health programming. Greater awareness of and support for mental health is also needed as well as increased and sustained monitoring and tracking of TB and HIV patients for drug adherence.

Nutrition Nutritional Survey Results 2008 GAM SAM The results of the Nutrition Districts Organisations Months (z-scores) (z-scores) Cluster’s survey in the arid Turkana North West 18.20% 1.70% Turkana East 24.80% 5.50% and semi-arid land areas Turkana South 17.90% 3.10% (ASALS) results show Merlin, World Turkana Central Vision, Oxfam April 28.90% 3.80% alarming rates of Mandera East & Action Against March- malnutrition in Mandera, West Hunger April 23.20% 1.30% Turkana and parts of Save the Children, districts. Further analysis is Mandera Central UK March 24.30% 2% being done to determine Mandera East Islamic Relief February 26.90% 2% the exact causes of the Wajir North West 16.60% 1% malnutrition. Wajir South East Merlin April 21.50% 2% UNICEF-ARLMP- Refugees Ministry of Health April 16% 2.20% UNICEF-ARLMP- Approximately 15,000 Samburu Ministry of Health April 14.70% 1.50% Somali IDPs have arrived World Vision April 9.30% 1.50% in Somalia's border town of GAM: Global Acute Malnutrition SAM: Severe Acute Malnutrition Dobley, Lower Juba region, Source: Nutrition Cluster, 10 June most of whom are fleeing violence in the capital, Mogadishu. Some of the IDPs have attempted to cross into Kenya’s North Eastern Province and could increase the Somali refugee caseload in Kenya.

3 Security

Members of the banned Mungiki gang are suspected to have murdered a pastor in Town, Uasin Gishu district. Meanwhile, the group called off a prayer meeting scheduled for 7 June in Nairobi, which had been banned by police.

The Kenya/Somali border remains volatile. The Kenyan Army is patrolling along the Mandera Central District border with Somalia.

Population Movements and Displacement Trends

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) reported that there were 77,880 IDPs in 111 camps on 11 June.

Source: Kenya Red Cross, 11 June 2008

North Rift Valley

IDP Camps Camp Population Returned from Camps IDPs in Community 37 34,128 74,385 15,431 Source, Kenya Red Cross, 11 June

Recognizing that reconciliation and peace-building are paramount for sustainable returns, the Minister of Justice visited IDPs at the Eldoret Showground camp, Uasin Gishu and promoted reconciliation and dialogue. She urged IDPs to talk to communities in places of displacement, highlighting that the Government cannot be responsible for bringing peace between neighbours. Furthermore, she noted that IDPs should not expect the Government to finance all of their losses.

IDP movements were relatively slow in Uasin Gishu district, though 63 IDPs returned from district to areas in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia West and Lugari districts. Some aid agencies are pulling out of the affected region, having fulfilled their emergency mandate, whilst others lack funding to continue providing support; however, humanitarian needs remain.

The population in transit camps in Uasin Gishu increased by almost 400 IDPs during the past week, bringing the estimated total for the North Rift to 46,979.

District Number of Transit Camps Population in Transit Camps Uasin Gishu 33 15,339 Trans Nzoia West 9 14,673 Trans Nzoia East 4 1,603 Koibatek 7 5,199 Kwanza 13 9,509 Nandi North 1 215 Mount Elgon 1 441 Total 46,979 Source: WASH Cluster, 10 June. A map of some of the transit site locations at: http://ochaonline.un.org/kenya

4 An interagency assessment of transit camps and areas of return in Trans Nzoia East, Trans Nzoia West and Kwanza district, noted that humanitarian challenges are increasing. Specifically, interventions in the following areas require urgent support: strengthening of health services; rehabilitation of destroyed and contaminated water points; provision of shelter as well as building materials; distribution of seeds, tools and fertiliser; food assistance for three to six months; peace building and reconciliation initiatives between returnees and communities; school feeding programmes; and school facilities, furniture and learning materials.

South Rift Valley IDP Camps IDP Camp Population 48 33,003 Source, Kenya Red Cross, 5 June

The Government has commenced a profiling exercise of returnees in the region. The purpose of the exercise is to establish what property was lost so as to determine the appropriate compensation package. The exercise has started with those who own land and have returned, whilst other livelihood groups will be included later. A four-day training for enumerators began on 10 June.

Molo District. An inter-agency monitoring assessment of Molo district is planned for 10-12 June. The assessment will include a survey of conditions of IDPs in camps and return areas, determine unmet humanitarian needs, and help prioritise the distribution of relief assistance.

A report by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) on Molo district cited that most IDPs leaving camps are not returning to their places of displacement but are moving into transitional camps. It was noted that insecurity and lack of shelter are discouraging IDPs from going to their former homes. As IDPs move to transit sites and remain in groups rather than returning to their individual farms, it is possible that some IDPs will choose to remain at such sites. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of State for Special Programmes has indicated that the Government would like to support this choice by returning IDPs, as it would facilitate service provision, including the provision of security and basic social services. Nevertheless major gaps have emerged at the transitional sites, including food, shelter, water, sanitation and peace-building with communities in areas of return. Furthermore, the DRC report noted that because 14 primary schools were burned or vandalized in the district, lack of access to education in areas of return is causing some families to leave children in Molo town, resulting in family separation. Addressing these needs is a critical part of ensuring the sustainability of return and resettlement.

Nakuru District. Most IDPs in Afraha Stadium and ASK Showground IDP camps are remaining in the camp. The local government proposed to provide them Ksh 10,000 (USD 166) as part of a resettlement package, but some IDPs objected stating that the funds were insufficient to re-start their livelihoods. The remaining camp populations at these two locations include many small- business owners and squatters, who do not have farms to return to.

Kipkelion District. Over 23,000 IDPs have already returned to their farms in Kipkelion. Sixteen new administration police posts and two police stations were built in the district to increase security. Peace and reconciliation efforts have also been initiated, involving local political leaders, community elders, youth, women groups, religious leaders and the local administration. The success of the peace-building process in the district has been a critical determinant for sustainable IDP returns.

On 31 May, the Government began a pilot project to issue 10,000Ksh (USD 166) cash grants to resettling and registered IDPs who had returned to their farms. Authorities stated that the provision of funding support had started first in this district due to the enabling environment, which had been encouraged by successful reconciliation.

Naivasha District. The returns have slowed from Naivasha, but 100 IDPs left camps in the district for return areas in Londiana, Kericho district; Burnt Forest, Uasin Gishu district; and Nandi Hills, Nandi district; and Timboroa, Koibatek district.

5 Nyanza and Western Provinces

At least 147 IDPs left camps throughout the region. The returns process resulted in the closing of the Koru Police Station IDP camp. Approximately 75 tea workers remain at the Keroka IDP camp in Kisii district after the DC rejected plans for them to be relocated to the Ekerenyo camp, stating that the camp was too congested. The Kisii Farmers Cooperative is advocating that the Keroka camp be closed, which is currently located on their land; discussions between the KRCS and the Nyamira DC are planned to find a solution for the 75 tea workers.

Having returned form the Mulanda refugee camp in Tororo, Uganda, 210 returned refugees are currently residing at the Malaba camps, Teso district.

IDP Camps IDP Camp Population 16 8,257 Source, Kenya Red Cross, 5 June Humanitarian Response

Camp Co-ordination/Camp Management

KRCS is consolidating established camps as camp populations fall. It believes most of the remaining IDPs are a chronic caseload and may have nowhere to return to. For example, the landless, small businesspeople and tenant farmers. It is trying to address these IDPs’ needs in order to further reduce the camp population. KRCS has formed management committees to assist IDPs in return and is distributing food and NFIs in the areas of return, though they are not providing camp management in the transit camps.

Early Recovery

On 9 June a capacity building training on conflict management and peace building for provincial administration was launched. It is being supported by UNDP and the Ministry of Provincial Administration and Internal Security through the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management. Phase One will run from June to September, and Phase Two, September to November during which time 420 District Officers will be trained. Thereafter, training will also be conducted for District Commissioners, Law Enforcement Officers, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and members of the District Peace Committees. It is planned in time to fully incorporate training on conflict management and peacebuilding into the regular administrative training. The aim of this training is to enhance the national capacity of the Provincial Administration in maintaining pace and security through mitigation of conflicts, to ensure development. For example, administrators will learn how to identify conflict early warning sings and act accordingly, using an array of nonviolent solutions. The skills learned will also be useful during the returns process and for rebuilding trust in the administration and among communities.

OCHA has initiated plans to strengthen conflict management in the North Rift, working closely with the United Nations Volunteers Coordinator, District Commissioner of Uasin Gishu and the North Rift Peace Consortium (NORPEC). The aim is to improve co-ordination and offer capacity building support to those engaged in peace and reconciliation activities in areas of return. NORPEC, a grouping of 25 local civil society and religious organisations, was formed in February to co-ordinate peace initiatives in the region. It is now working closely with the Government and will be restructured and strengthened.

KRCS is shifting its emphasis to encompass more recovery efforts. It hopes to become involved in the construction of one-room houses for vulnerable populations, such as those living in colder climates. Efforts are also being made to offer support to IDPs who were engaged in livelihood activities other than farming. KRCS is looking to work with microfinance organizations to provide start-up loans.

Agencies are looking to build on the successes of recent innovative pilots, such as Concern Worldwide’s partnership with Safaricom to make emergency cash transfers by mobile phone using their MPesa system. Concern was unable to deliver food aid to the Kerio Valley, 200 km from Eldoret, because of insecurity following the post-election violence. Instead, it used MPesa to

6 deliver Ksh320 per fortnight to individuals in 550 families. This scheme allowed beneficiaries to choose for themselves what food to buy. It was also much cheaper for Concern, with delivery accounting for 3% of the total cost, compared to 18.5% for traditional food aid. There are plans to expand the programme to 16,700 beneficiaries. Another interesting initiative in early recovery, livelihood support and food security is the use of vouchers. FAO has been giving farmers vouchers to buy agricultural inputs. Solidarites and CARE have given people in slums supermarket vouchers to buy food. Again, these have proven cheaper logistically and more convenient for beneficiaries than food distributions. Vouchers also overcome the security risks associated with food distribution in slums and are likely to become an increasingly popular means of delivering assistance.

Education

The military has completed the reconstruction of four schools in Molo District, the latest being Karirikana Primary School. Future schools to be reconstructed include Sasumwa, Mutati, Banana and Malwa schools. The Ministry of Education is continuing to conduct an assessment of PEV damage to Rift Valley schools, the results of which will be ready in two months. Many Early Childhood Development Schools that were destroyed during the PEV have not been reconstructed. Reconstruction needs to be carried out as quickly as possible in order to reunite children with their parents (see Protection below). The fact that several schools, such as Rironi and Jogoo in Molo, Salama in Kwanza District and Geta in Trans Nzoia East, are being used as transit sites remains a challenge.

Security also needs to be addressed in return areas because it is linked to the absence of teachers and high drop out rates in these locations. It has been noted that students are becoming segregated in areas of return, with IDP children not wanting to return to schools populated by hostile communities. The ministry has acknowledged that peace building, counselling and reconciliation are priorities, as well as the need to boost water and sanitation facilities in all affected schools. It is working in partnership with UNICEF to address these needs.

The Ministry of Education confirmed that children who have registered for exams in one school but resettled in another will be allowed to sit their exams in their resettlement areas. Their registration will be transferred to their new schools. This information will be computerised centrally and disseminated as required.

Save the Children and UNICEF held a two-day workshop in on 5 and 6 June to strengthen the cluster approach and identify priorities for future planning of the education response in Kenya. Similar events are planned for Nairobi, and Eldoret for all active partners, including local education officers.

Food Aid

In May, 2,441 metric tonnes (MT) of food was distributed by WFP, KRCS, the Government and partners. Some of this food went to resettled IDPs, as shown in the table below.

Region Food distributed MT Total beneficiaries Where North Rift 177 12,000 Resettled IDPs in Koibatek district Nyanza/Western 131 8,841 Resettled IDPs in Rachuonyo district Molo 233 30,889 KRC to resettled IDPs Total 308 20,841

Efforts are being made to issue food simultaneously to IDPs in camps and returnees. However, deliveries of food rations and other relief supplies to return areas remain a challenge. Access is constrained by deteriorating road conditions exacerbated by the rainy season. UNHCR reported that the June food distribution was delayed in Trans Nzoia and Kwanza districts owing to irregularities. The KRCS office in has been dissolved so district officials are helping to facilitate food distribution. The KRCS and WFP plan to provide food assistance for returning IDPs throughout the planting season.

Each month, 13,200 MT of food is required for post-election crisis-affected areas and arid and semi-arid areas, where needs are increasing with the impending drought. The Emergency

7 Operations budget has so far received USD 30.3 million in funding and is in the process of purchasing 15,000 MT of maize from South Africa to avert a pipeline break for cereals in July.

Health

Whilst efforts are being made to support the Government’s rehabilitation of health services, one of the key challenges is ensuring access to all communities. Some people are not willing to travel through insecure areas to clinics or to access medical care from health workers from other communities. The supply chain of medical supplies to some facilities has not resumed adequately because of drug shortages.

International Medical Corps (IMC) will provide mobile medical clinic services in 20 return areas in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia East and Trans Nzoia West districts. These will encompass health promotion and education for returnees and host communities. However, IMC will wind up its operation on 15 July due to limited funding. There is need for a social service package offering a waiver or vouchers so that IDPs can receive free medical services for an interim period.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, have completed training for the new district health teams in Rift Valley Province in integrated disease surveillance and response. The training will improve early warning reporting systems, especially in areas where IDPs are returning to. WHO has also been requested by the Inter Agency Standing Committee and the Government to help in establishing a nutritional early warning system in the country, especially in areas that experience drought regularly.

WHO has donated chlorine tablets and water testing kits to the health team in an effort to contain the cholera outbreak which has been affecting the province since the beginning of the year. New cases were reported in Rachuonyo and Emuhaya districts, to which the Ministry of Health has responded with emergency supplies. Samples from three suspected cholera deaths in Nakuru are being tested by the Kenya Medical Research Institute.

The latest statistics on the kala azar outbreak in North Eastern Province are 36 cases, with three deaths and eight admitted to hospital. Most of these are young children from nomadic communities. A diagnostic and treatment centre has been established in Wajir District, where 22 new cases have been reported. A mobile team is searching for cases and health workers in Merti Division of District have also been sensitized. The Kenya Medical Supplies Agency has provided drugs and nutritional support.

Nutrition

A WFP team that visited Turkana on 5 June will meet with the Food Aid Sub-committee of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group this week to decide by how much to increase beneficiary numbers for general food distribution. This follows recommendations made by nutrition actors to address the high malnutrition rates and poor food production indicators in the area. Findings of a joint review of the supplementary feeding programme in arid and semi-arid districts, concluded on 9 June, will be shared next week.

Nutrition surveys by Save the Children, the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and partners in Nakuru, Molo, Kuresoi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Nyandarua South districts will begin in early July. IMC trained Ministry of Health staff on the management of severe malnutrition in Uasin Gishu District between 3 and 6 June.

Protection

Security remains a key concern, despite the establishment of a number of new police posts. Tensions and hostility were reported in many areas visited and reconciliation initiatives have often failed to take root, raising concerns about the sustainability of return.

Another important protection issue is that large numbers of children have been separated from their parents since the launch of Operation Rudi Nyumbani, undermining the principle of family unity (examples below). Teachers reported that the children’s parents have returned to their farms

8 or transit sites without them. Parents in transit sites report making a deliberate choice to leave their children in order for them to remain in school and for their safety. Child-headed households need protection, emotional support and guidance from responsible adults. Child protection partners discussed these findings with Provincial and District Children Officers and initial plans to provide protection and psycho-social support to children left behind in Molo District have been put in place.

The KRCS ran photos in local newspapers of over 100 children who had been separated during the PEV in an effort to reunite them with their parents. The organization has reunited 454 children with their families, whilst there are a remaining 266 separated children registered by the KRCS.

Who Place and date Activity/ Report UNHCR Eldoret ASK To monitor movements out of the camp. There were ongoing registrations and Camp; movement to Gatonye and Kapsabet. Camp population was 8,845 individuals. 4 June There is need for more consistent follow up on SGBV cases to ensure that perpetrators are arraigned in court. It was agreed that SGBV documents would be forwarded to UNHCR’s Eldoret Protection Assistant for onward transmission to Federation Of Women Lawyers (FIDA)-Kenya. UNHCR Yamumbi in Suspicion and mistrust remains very high. There is no interaction between Uasin Gishu communities who attend separate churches. The Parish Committee has not District; 4 June been able to meet since the violence as the two communities refuse to communicate. Catholic Justice and Peace Committee is initiating peace and reconciliation but has received no response. UNHCR Kamuyu, The mission was unable to visit returnees from because of poor roads Rukuini, Kondoo during the rains. This poses a challenge in giving assistance. 9 and Kagongo; week of 2 June UNHCR Ngrimori area in This transit site hosts 424 returnees from Nakuru. Makeshift houses are being Gunyak division patched up with burnt iron sheets and tarpaulins. Security is okay but returnees of Kipkelion lack food, shelter materials and farm tools. The team collected a list of District; week of vulnerable families whose homes had been burnt down. WFP planned to 2 June. distribute food on 6 June. UNHCR Sondu Police Police reported 103 IDPs arrived from Ekerenyo Camp in Nyamira District on 5 Station Camp, June with eight tents and established a transit site at the station. A new Nyando District; assessment mission will confirm needs and numbers. week of 2 June UNHCR Keroka camp, 70 IDPs remaining have no basic facilities. UNHCR is following up with GoK Nyamira District; and KRC on assistance and the way forward for the IDPs. week of 2 June UNHCR Kisumu; week of IDP guiding principles trainers’ planning and SGBV meeting 2 June Molo DC and 3 June Members resolved to set up focal point committees for each sector for proper humanitarian coordination and follow up on priority issues, particularly food and shelter. actors Child Nakuru; 6 June Moto Primary school in Molo has a population of 2,742 pupils, 1,519 of whom Protection sub are displaced. It was reported that 20 children are living alone in camps and cluster with 166 are living alone in town without any adult supervision. Similar problems Provincial were reported in Saint Mary’s Boys Primary School, also in Molo. Children’s Officer

Mully Children’s Home in Eldoret is planning to move 224 children and 50 mothers displaced from the Eldoret area to District to sit their national primary school exams. This is because facilities where they are currently hosted are poor and the children are reluctant to attend school with those who took part in attacking them. However, the DC and the District Children’s Officer have not yet authorized the transfer.

Security appears to be a concern in Eldoret Showground Camp. IMC reported that they have handled five rape cases of minors from the camp. The children have been referred to the Moi Referral and Teaching Hospital. Suspects are being held in Langas Police Station waiting to be arraigned in court. Save the Children also reported that an eight-year old girl was raped in the camp on 5 June. Partners are gathering details about the cases in order to reduce the vulnerability of children in the camp to GBV. Training is ongoing to ensure that the many actors on the ground standardize data collection related to GBV in order to better analyse trends and priorities for protection.

9 Shelter and Non Food Items

Shelter material in transit sites remains a serious gap, particularly for IDPs returning from host communities. UNCHR Eldoret is planning distributions of its remaining stock-pile of NFIs according to the needs identified during Return Monitoring Assessments. In Molo District, UNICEF, UNHCR, Action Against Hunger and other partners will map areas of shelter and NFI distribution next week.

UNHCR and GOAL will implement a pilot project for the construction of 300 transitional shelter kits for returnees in Mutaragon village in Kipkelion District from the week of 9 June. This kit has been approved by the Government. KRCS is conducting a 10-day independent assessment and analysis of costs for an alternative shelter kit. The existing kit allows for plastic sheeting to be replaced by wood, mud or locally available materials. KRCS plans to follow the same design elements but to focus on wood for the walls and cement floors. KRCS wants a flexible model to accommodate community needs and use locally available materials. For example, communities at risk of cattle rustling do not want metal sheeting because it is visible at night.

Water Sanitation Hygiene

Water and sanitation in return areas is still precarious. The issue of hygiene and provision of female sanitary towels urgently needs to be addressed. Water is being tankered to transit sites but this is expensive and not sustainable. Partners are cleaning out and rehabilitating shallow wells, which should ease water shortages.

Fear among returnees of poisoning of water sources by rival communities is a major issue. They will not use this water until it is certified clean and fit for human consumption. UNICEF, the Ministry of Water and KRCS are testing water quality and pumping, cleaning and chlorinating wells where necessary. This work will be complete in Uasin Gishu, Kwanza and Trans Nzoia districts by early July. Initial test results are showing signs of bacterial contamination (faecal coliforms) but this is normal in unprotected shallow wells, particularly when they have not be used for some time and contain stagnant water. It does not mean that the wells were poisoned but reinforces experts’ recommendations that people using shallow wells should boil their water before drinking it. The Ministry of Water has sent for analysis samples from three wells in Molo District that are suspected to have been deliberately poisoned with pesticides. The results are due on 13 June. There is a need to coordinate an action plan for the remaining return areas. Some of the main agencies involved are ActionAid, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF.

Partners are providing emergency services, such as mobilets, in transit sites. They are unclear whether they should be planning for longer-term interventions, such as digging pit latrines, because there is uncertainty about how long the transit sites will be in existence.

With smaller populations, water availability in established camps has improved. In Ekerenyo Camp, Nyamira district, a borehole was dug and there are plans to install a pump and storage system. The project will benefit the nearby health facility and local schools. Similarly, in Koru Police Camp, Nyando district, the rehabilitated water supply will benefit the host community. There are plans to visit empty camps to ensure that the environment is restored and pits are backfilled. IDPs returning to Nyanza Province are being given a two-months supply of water and sanitation NFIs; however, the sewerage company has been switching off water supplies due to unpaid bills.

A water and sanitation needs assessment will be carried out in and Rachuonyo districts, which have the highest number of IDPs living in host communities, with 24,444 and 16,168 persons respectively. The entry point will be schools whose enrolments have shot up after the PEV, with data on IDP children being provided by the Provincial Director of Education.

For more information, please contact: Jeanine Cooper, Head of Office, OCHA-Kenya, +254 (20)7625155, [email protected].

Rania Dagash, Desk Officer, Africa I Section, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 3668, [email protected].

Stephanie Bunker, Spokesperson and Public Information Officer, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, +1 917 892 1679 (mobile), [email protected].

E lisabeth Byrs, Public Information Officer, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, [email protected]. 10

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