By JAMES MAUNDU

It’s at the beginning of the long rain season in Kenya which goes on from March to May. While Kenyans celebrate when it rains as this means they will plant and harvest, so far the floods from the rains have caused 13 deaths, displaced 4000 households and killed 339 livestock.

The areas hardest hit by the floods are Marsabit, Turkana, Tana River, Garissa, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Kiambu, Meru, Kisumu, Nairobi and Kitui.

The Authorities have issued advisories as the rain continues. Kenya Red Cross reports that in total 20,000 households may be affected. In the City of Nairobi, those living in slums are mostly affected, like the Kibra, Kware, Viwandani, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben as the infrastructure gets damaged.

IEA Correspondent

"The fish in the river are gone"- Fishing communities devastated by El Nino-induced drought, as Zimbabwe joins Malawi and Zambia in declaring a state of disaster, and ActionAid urges emergency action 

Over 20 million people in Southern Africa are facing a severe food security crisis due to the El Nino-induced drought. Affecting crop and livestock production as well as water availability in the region, according to a report by UNOCHA, the region is faced with a food insecurity crisis that threatens the health and well-being of millions, particularly young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. 

On 3 April 2024, Zimbabwe declared the drought a state of disaster and appealed for $2 billion to tackle hunger. The country joins Zambia and Malawi in declaring the drought a state of disaster. 

ActionAid is calling for urgent action to address the crisis, including providing food assistance and supporting alternative income generation activities.   

"The drought situation is dire and exposes millions of already vulnerable groups particularly women and young people to hunger. The declaration of disaster in the three countries opens avenues for humanitarian organisations to intervene, and we must coordinate our efforts to ensure timely humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it the most," said Esther Sharara, ActionAid's Regional Humanitarian Advisor in Southern Africa. 

Low rainfall across the region has resulted in reduced water levels in local fishing areas, significantly decreasing fish populations and making it increasingly difficult for fishers to catch enough to feed their families and earn a living. 

According to the Zambezi River Authority, the water level recorded at Victoria Falls during the third week of March 2024 was 75 percent less than the same period last year. 

In Sesheke District, Zambia, where ActionAid supports fisherwomen, there are concerns about rising poverty as the main source of their livelihood, the Zambezi River, has reduced fish output compared to previous years because of the drought.    

Juliet Kamwi, a local fisherwoman in Sesheke echoed the sentiments of many as she reflected on the drastic changes that have befallen her community.  

"The fish in the river are gone, everything has changed. We used to rely on the river to support our families, and to send our children to school. But now life has become uncertain. We don't know how we will survive." 

The dwindling fish stocks come at a time when food insecurity is already on the rise due to crop failures caused by the drought.  

"These fishing communities rely heavily on fish for both food and income. While immediate food relief is crucial, there is a need to invest in long-term solutions that ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods," said Jovina Nawenzake, Interim Executive Director at ActionAid Zambia. 

Already battling high costs of living in the region, this situation is pushing communities deeper into poverty and hunger. Urgent humanitarian response is required to avert a crisis. 

By MOSES MUTUA

In his makeshift stall in Nairobi City's Kibra Constituency, Shadrach Ndemo Mongare, a 49-year-old father blessed with a family of three children, recounts his journey. His eldest son has completed his studies, the second is attending Laikipia University, and the youngest is in grade 6. Married to his beloved wife Sabina Nyaboke, who sells porridge in Kibra, Shadrach is deeply rooted in his faith as a devoted Christian. He actively serves as a deacon and chairs the Men's Adventist Fellowship at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Additionally, he assists in coordinating the church choir.

Shadrach's entrepreneurial journey began as a tomato supplier in Toi Market, sourcing his produce from Kirinyaga County. After trying his hand at selling cloth, he eventually found success in vegetable vending. His stall offers a variety of produce, including cabbages, kale, bananas, and indigenous vegetables ("Mboga ya Kienyeji"). To meet the demands of his customers, he rises at 2:00 AM to procure fresh produce from Marikiti Market in Nairobi Town, sourced directly from upcountry farmers. Despite stiff competition, maintaining quality ensures customer retention and better sales. He has even hired assistants to accommodate customers who prefer pre-cut vegetables.

However, Shadrach faces challenges. The high cost of living and soaring fuel prices strain his business. Rising wholesale prices coupled with customers' reluctance to pay higher retail prices pose a dilemma. Additionally, extending credit to clients adds financial pressure, especially when repayments are delayed. Yet, Shadrach persists, driven by his desire to provide a better life and education for his children. He juggles financial commitments, including supporting his second born son doing nursing at Laikipia University and assisting his cousin's child with school fees.

Due to the change of the funding model by the government where they would pay for students fee it’s all different since a new government took over. In accordance with President William Ruto’s directive when he unveiled the new funding model on 3rd May 2023, students from the vulnerable and extremely needy households will receive 100% funding while the needy and less needy will

get 93% government funding and a paltry 7% contribution from their households to cover for the tuition fees. To effect this, the government has classified students seeking funding into four categories, the vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy. The students joining private institutions too are eligible for the HELB loan and are encouraged to apply.

Funding across the four categories will be determined by evaluating family economic background to ensure that students from poor households are given priority in terms of scholarship allocation while those from less needy households are covered by loan financing from HELB as has been in the past. As much as it seems like its obvious to get the funding, we have seen student protest due to lack of HELB disbursement and even at times the government failing to cash out the fees on time.

Despite these challenges, Shadrach remains hopeful. He anticipates a reduction in living costs and prays for a successful harvest, bolstered by government subsidies on fertilizers. His story exemplifies resilience, community support, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Shadrach's journey serves as a source of inspiration and underscores the importance of perseverance and hope in pursuing a better future.