ACTED - Rapid Assessment report - Northern Kenya July 2011.pdf

ACTED Kenya Office

Chania Road, Opposite

LER Apartments | P.O.

Box 21217, 00505,

Nairobi, KENYA

E-mail: [email protected]

RAPID NEEDS ASSESSMENT MANDERA, MARSABIT AND WAJIIR COUNTIES – NORTH-EAST PROVINCE

August 7th 2011

Nairobi, Kenya

ACTED Assessment Report – Northern Kenya July –August 2011 2

ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

1. METHODOLOGY

1.1 Context

Climatic disasters and acute food security crisis in the Horn of Africa are now becoming recurrent phenomena in

repeatedly shorter cycles. Traditionally a prolonged dry season (dry spell) used to appear every 3 years and a

severe drought every ten years. During this decade, in the ASAL (Arid and Semi Arid Lands) of Kenya, the drought

of 2005-2006 has been followed by two consecutive dry spells and then the drought of 2009. These repeated cycles

of drought and erratic rainfall patterns have resulted in massive and continuous crop failures, loss of livestock and

livestock productivity and huge degradation of natural resources, soils, water sources and pastures. This leads not

only to chronic food insecurity at the household level but also to a shortage of locally produced staple crops such as

maize, beans and vegetables. While good rains were in some areas during the 2010 long rains season, allowing the

(agro) pastoral communities of the ASALs to initiate the recovery process, the almost total failure of the rains in late

2010 put increased stress on these vulnerable communities. Many communities in the affected arid and semi-arid

lands have not had enough time to re-build their livelihood assets and have already exhausted coping mechanisms

during the 2009 drought.

The prolonged dry spell in 2011 has arisen from the failure of the short rains as followed by below normal long rains

(March – May/June). Most of the ASALs received a maximum of 50% of the long term average rainfall. The Famine

Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) announced on June 6th, 2011 that the eastern Horn of Africa is

currently affected by “the most severe food emergency in the world today”. In Kenya, about 3.2 million people are in

Main objective Determine the vulnerability of drought affected communities in Mandera, Marsabit and Wajiir counties, North-East Province, Kenya

Specific objectives

Data collection focused on the following: � Determine most severely affected districts and divisions with gaps in coverage of

drought affected population with regards to food security, nutrition/health, water access and sanitation conditions, migration patterns, and condition of livestock.

� Identify key programmatic areas of intervention

Location Mandera, Marsabit and Wajiir counties, North-East Province Kenya

Methodology Data collection focused on secondary sources review, interviews with key informants and direct observation.

Period of field assessment

From 27th

July 2011 to 3rd

August 2011

Annexes

1. Assessment tools 2. Contact list 3. Key indicators (population census 2009) for Wajiir, Mandera and Marsabit counties 4. Assessment fact sheets


a situation of emergency and require immediate assistance as the failure of the two rainy seasons in 2011 has

resulted in “one of the driest years since 1950/51 in many pastoral zones”1.A mid-season Kenya Food Security

Steering Group (KFSSG) assessment conducted in May 2011 indicates that up to 2.8 million people may require

food aid assistance in coming months2.

The ongoing drought is having highly negative impacts on the food security and nutrition situation of pastoral

communities. Several factors have contributed to increasing food insecurity, including significant losses of livelihoods

to the drought for pastoral communities, and reduced cereal stocks across the country. The hike in fuel prices is

resulting in high food prices that make basic food items inaccessible to drought-affected households. Insufficient

access to food, acute lack of access to safe water shortages, lack of adequate hygiene practices, and low access to

health services worsen already high malnutrition rates, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

1.2 Objectives

This assessment aims at determine the drought impact on pastoralist communities in Wajiir, Madera and Marsabit

Counties of Northern Kenya. More specifically, the objectives were to determine i) the impact of the drought as

regards food security, WASH and livelihood and the coping strategies set at community level ,ii) worst affected

locations and key gap locations which are not receiving sufficient assistance, iii) key programmatic actions to

address needs of the drought affected population.

1.4 Assessed areas

Given time constraints, the assessment team focused on the

counties of Mandera, Wajiir and Marsabit, which are part of

the North-eastern Province Kenya and are among the most

drought affected counties regions The three Counties were

identified through primary research as being the most

drought affected counties in Northern Kenya, with high and

rising GAM and SAM rates.

The regions were vulnerable prior to the three-year drought,

the average proportion of households living under the

poverty line is 87% (population census 2009), and the

average life expectancy in these areas is 53.6 years old

(population census 2009). Over the past decade, these

already fragile food secure situation of the area has

1 UNOCHA, Eastern Africa: Drought – Humanitarian Snapshot, 24 June 2011

2 UNOCHA, Horn of Africa Drought Crisis Situation Report, July 21

st 2011


worsened under the impact of changing weather patterns. A near total lack of rain for three consecutive years has

led to acute drought in all three Counties, classified by Aridlands (june 2011) as at ‘emergency’ and ‘alarm’ levels

and deteriorating.

The following areas were physically assessed:

County District Division/ Centre

1.Wajiir South Wajiir Habakore

Dimanyale

Habaswein

West Wajiir Eldas

North Wajiir Ajawa

Buna

Bute

2.Madera Madera West Takaba

Dandu

3.Marsabit Marsabit North Turbi

Burgabo

Bubissa

Marsabit Central Marsabit

Township

Gadimoji

It was not possible to assess Wajiir East due to an instable security situation and in Madera, high security alert levels

prohibited access to Central, Eastern and Northern regions. The villages that were assessed were selected based on

the following criteria:

- Drought severity, access to food and water

- Accessibility (within assessment timeframe)

- Migration patterns (either high level of out migration or influx of pastoral dropouts)

1.3 Data collection

Assessment methodology

Pre-assessment research was conducted to establish priority focus areas, and current levels of Government and

(I)NGO drought related interventions. In the three counties of Northern Kenya, the assessment team gathered

secondary information through interviews with local authorities (District Commissioners, District Officers, District

Livestock Officers, District Veterinary Officers, District Water Officers, Dispensary Health Officers and Community

Health Workers, Village Chiefs, District Steering Groups), NGOs (WADSA, ALDEF, DPA, RACIDA) and INGOs

(SCUK, Islamic Relief, World Vision, CARE); they also collected and analysed grey materials from these


organisations. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with community members including elders, youth

representatives pastoral dropouts and pastoral migrants. Data collected from the various actors was cross-verified,

and used to identify the trends across districts and villages. All the interviews were semi-structured, based on a

questionnaire prepared prior to departure on the basis of preliminary research (annexe 1), and allowing both the

interviewer and the respondent the flexibility to discuss issues outside the original frame of the interview.

Field data collection

Wajiir County

� In South Wajiir, three locations were assessed in Habaswein Division. In Habakore, and Dimanyale locations,

the location Chief and the Clinic Officer of the Health Centre were interviewed. In Habaswein township

interviews were conducted with the District Commissioner for the District of South Wajiir, the District Water

Officer for Habaswein, and the Area Managers for Save the Children UK, and World Vision. Two female

pastoral dropouts in Dimalyale were also interviewed. The District Commissioner for Sabule Division was

also interviewed from Wajiir Township.

� In Wajiir Township, interviews were conducted the District Water and Sanitation Officer, as well as the Area

Managers for Islamic Relief, WASDA, ALDEF, DPA – the later three being local NGO’s operating in Wajiir

County.

� In Wajiir West, the assessment team attended the District Steering Group meeting focusing on drought

response, which was chaired by the District Commissioner and attended by the District Officials responsible

for Water, Veterinary, Livestock, Health, Agriculture and Peace. ALDEF and Islamic Relief were also in

attendance. In Eldas location the location Chief and Clinic Officer of the Health Centre were interviewed.

� In Wajiir North, the team interviewed the location Chief, the Clinic Officer of the sub-district Hospital, the head

of the Water Committee and the District Veterinary Officer in Buna, as well as the village chief, clinic officer,

water committee, elders and youth representative in Ajawa.

Madera county

� In Takaba, interviews were conducted with Member of Parliament (MP) Madera West Constituency, District

Commissioner for Madera West, District Officer Dandu, Officer Commanding Police Division Dandu and the

CDF Chairman of Dandu. In Dandu location, the village chief was interviewed, as well as village elders and

the WFP Relief Committee chairman.

� The assessment team met with representatives from local and international NGO’s operating in the area

including Save the Children UK, CARE and RACIDA.

Marsabit county

� In Marsabit North, four locations were physically assessed. In Turbi location, interviews were conducted with

the Water Committee members, the borehole pump attendant and community members waiting to collect


water at the borehole. In Burgabo, the assessment team interviewed the Water Committee and Veterinary

Officer, as well as the location chief and village elders. In Bubissa, the Chairman of the Water association

was interviewed. Migrating pastoralists in the Sololo area were interviewed as they drove their camels North

into Ethiopia. A community of Gabra migrants were also interviewed at a food relief and water trucking

location on the side of the highway.

� In Marsabit Township, the ACTED assessment team collected data from the Drought Mitigation Officer and

Data Officer for Marsabit County, as well as the District Water Officer for Central and North Divisions.

Resources

Three AMEU (Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit) team members were mobilized for this rapid need

assessment. AMEU is an autonomous unit within ACTED Kenya, dedicated to improving the relevance, quality and

accountability of ACTED’s programs by facilitating Project Cycle Management and conducting research and

assessments to inform and influence policy and practice.

3. ASSESSMENT RESULTS

3.1 WAJIIR COUNTY

A. Accessibility

Wajiir County is located in the North Eastern corner of

Kenya, bordering Somalia to the East, Madera County

to the North, and Garissa Isiolo and Marsabit to the

South and West. An airstrip in Wajiir Township

connects the County to Nairobi by air. Road access is

limited to dirt roads, only accessible with an off road

vehicle and is approximately 15 hours drive from

Nairobi in average road conditions. Mobile phone

coverage is limited to location Centres, and is

inconsistent. At assessment time, there was no

communication access when driving between

locations.

B. Water and Sanitation

� Wajiir West: Key informants indicated Wajiir West as the most acutely affected District within Wajiir in terms of

water shortage. All current water sources (shallow wells, boreholes), where available, were reported under acute

stress. Several (I)NGO were found operating in Wajiir West with rehabilitation of water points being carried out


by WASDA (4 locations), Mercy Corps (4 locations), and the GoK (4 locations). Despite water trucking carried

out by GoK and ALDEF, critical needs of water trucking were indicated in some locations.

� Wajiir South: Wajiir South was not reported to be as acutely located by water shortages as other divisions of

Wajiir. The reported past and current NGO interventions have ensured the continued operation of the available

boreholes, which were reported sufficient for the majority of the population. Exceptions include locations in the

South East of the District such as Sabule division (located close to Dadaab refugee camp), which have seen

huge influx of migrant pastoralists grazing their livestock on pasture available. The District Commissioner for

Sabule Division reported an estimated 700 drought displaced families, which were exerting stress on the sole

operational borehole in the area. Limited humanitarian assistance was reported at assessment time in Sabule

Division.

� Wajiir North: Several locations were reported with severe water

shortage and diminishing water reserves in Wajiir North. For

example, in Ajawa location, a natural low yielding spring 2Km

uphill from the village was the sole source of water for the

surrounding area. A pump and piping system had previously

been installed, but was found by the assessment team no longer

operational and water was being drawn by hand by a chain of 12

community members. Contamination of the water source was

visible (see photo above) and is not treated. In Batulu location the borehole was found nearly non-functional,

with an exceptionally low yield. In Bute the borehole is completely defunct and the population was dependant of

water trucking and the last remaining water from a nearby sand dam. Despite acute needs, few to no

humanitarian assistance was reported by key informants in Wajiir North.

C. Hygiene and sanitation

Levels of hygiene and sanitation were found very low across all districts assessed. Latrine coverage was reported

and observed as minimal. In Buna, North Wajiir 40 latrines were reported existing for 8,000 persons. Direct

observation, as well as interviews with District Official gave estimated latrine coverage County wide at 10-30%.

Waste management is also a critical issue, litter is not collected, open defecation is rife, animal droppings, or even

carcasses are not disposed of and there is no incinerator for the sub-district hospital. These human and animal

wastes were of high concern come rainy season, when there is very high risk of water source contamination. The

Public Health Officer for Buna location stated that levels of knowledge of water handling at the source and household

level were very low. Collected water was often rolled across the dirt ground in jerry cans. Key informants indicated

that no water treatment was done at the Household level, neither from water treatment tablets, nor filtration systems.


D. Food security

The assessment team found markets operational across

the County, with basics food supplies (maize, rice, beans,

tea, and sugar) available at the location level, and a full

market operating in Wajiir town. However, lack of cash

availability due to depletion of livelihood assets, combined

with high was reported by key informants preventing the

access to staple food. At assessment time, Wajiir County

benefits from targeted food distribution by the GoK and

WFP, but gaps were reported in some locations, especially

in Wajiir North. In Dilmanyale, the location chief reported

they had not received any WFP rations for the previous

two months, and a scale up of food aid was indicated as a

priority need for his area.

Pastoral dropouts from rural locations who have migrated into location centres were reported in several locations not

being accounted for in food distribution rations. In Wajiir North, community elders indicated the need to complement

food related programming with water access. For example, in Ajawa location, the location chief reported that food

relief received for a school feeding programme was not being utilised as there was simply no water to mix the

porridge.

E. Livelihoods

In the locations assessed, district officials indicated that

80-95% of the population was dependent on livestock and

livestock products as their sole means of livelihood. A

complete absence of available fodder is reported in Wajiir

West and Habaswein, with limited access in Wajiir South

and North. In two locations (Dimanyale and Ajawa), it was

reported that households were sharing their received food

aid, and very scarce water supply with their livestock.

The District Official for Wajiir West estimated the drought

related livestock mortality rate at approximately 70 %. Mass mortality of livestock, a lack of lactating surviving

animals, and the unmarketable poor body condition of animals remaining in location centres has led to a complete

cease in cash availability for local populations. Without a source of income, pastoralists are not able to access

markets, and have a high credit burden with local traders (Source: Interview with Chief of Dimalyale

location).Community elders indicated an urgent need for emergency fodder to retain breeding stock.


Interviews with District Officers in Habaswein, Wajiir South and North and with District Steering Group highlighted the

urgent need for destocking before the remaining livestock perish. Destocking would bring a much needed cash

injection to rural communities and reduce stress on pastoralists migrating large distances with extremely weak

animals confirmed the need as County-wide. Limited interventions addressing emergency livestock interventions are

reported by local actors (ALDEF, WV, IR, WASDA, and PDA) and District Officials.

F. Health

Acutely drought affected areas of Wajiir County are currently witnessing a rapidly increasing incidence of drought

related diseases, as poor sanitation, dry dusty conditions and lack of access to food and water reap their effect on

the population, with under fives and the aged acutely affected. The Clinic Officer of Habakore Health Centre

recorded that the incidence of diarrhea rose from 18 cases in January 2011 to 100 cases in June 2011. He also

confirmed a significant and rising of incidence of Respiratory Tract Infection in both <5’s and adults, which was

confirmed with Clinic Officers in all other locations assessed. The Supplementary Feeding Programme (SFP) in

Habakore has seen a significant rise in admissions. In January 2011 the health centre treated 20 such cases of

malnutrition in under fives, by July the figure had risen to 88. The sub-district Hospital Clinic Officer in Buna, Wajiir

North reported the first case of malnutrition related mortality in a child under 5 in June this year.Health clinics were

observed to be in need of maintenance: the clinic officer from Buna sub-district hospital cited an acute lack of basic

equipment, as well as medicines, and the urgent need for the reconstruction of the maternity ward, which has been

condemned.

G. Peace

Interviews with District Officers in each of the location assessed confirm a mass migration of pastoralists to various

locations in Eastern Kenya and Ethiopia. A detailed study of population movement is needed to assess migration

trends. Conflicts with host communities were reported between pastoralists from Wajiir West in both Isiolo (Merci)

and Marsabit County, indicating a need for mobilization and facilitation of pre-existing peace committees at the

district and location level. At assessment time, there was a lack of information on the reception of migrant

populations into water secure areas, as communication between the home community and the migrants is extremely

limited.


3.2 Madera County, North Eastern Kenya

A. Accessibility

Madera County is located in the North Eastern

corner of Kenya, bordering Somalia to the

East, Ethiopia to the North, and Wajiir County

to the South and South West. Road access is

limited to dirt roads, only accessible with an off

road vehicle and is approximately 1,100Km

drive from Nairobi. Mobile phone coverage is

limited to location Centres, and is inconsistent.

At assessment time, there was no

communication access when driving between

locations. Madera County is regularly

hampered by insecurity due to its proximity to

the Somali border. The County Commissioner

recommended that international staff do not

travel outside of Madera West without an

escort.

B. Water and sanitation

Access to adequate water supply was reported acute in both assessed districts (Takaba and Dandu) of Madera

West. In Takaba district, which has a population of 8,693 inhabitants (population census 2009), three boreholes were

found as main water source, all of which were found saline. The pumping equipment, including the gensets, needs

urgent maintenance and spare-parts, as well as a fuel subsidies. Desalination equipment is also a priority. These

boreholes were reported to be used to truck water to 43 centres up to 30km distance which do not have their own

access to water. Three functioning dams were reported in the area, which were predicted to be dry by the end of the

August according to the District Commissioner for the area. The dams have high seepage rates and need to be de-

silted and expanded before the next rains. Institutions such as schools and health centres were reported to lack

access to water, and need water storage tanks (possibly linked to rain water catchment systems).

In Dandu district, a water pan 17Km away from Dandu location was reported to be the water source in use, from

which donkeys are used to carry water. Previously water had been trucked in from Takaba, but the service was

indicated as no longer functioning. The Chief of Dandu stated that the water access was of acute need as the local

population do not have sufficient water to cook the food relief they receive from the government.


Water contamination was observed at both the source and household level. Observation indicated that the water pan

in Dandu was used by both humans and animals, and was not protected. At the household level, no means of

purification or filtration was reported by community elders. Latrine coverage in Dandu was estimated by the location

chief to be at 30-35%.

C. Food security

Limited supplies (basic food items: maize, rice, tea, sugar, water) were found available in local markets. However,

access to larger markets within Madera were indicated hampered by security issues, but access to Moyale, in

neighbouring Marsabit show evidence of access to a full market including food stuffs, construction materials, vehicle

spare parts etc.

Despite food distribution ongoing at assessment time, the MP for Madera West Constituency stated that an

estimated 80% of the population was in need of emergency food relief. For example, in Dandu location, the Chief

indicated that a majority of the local population was eating one meal per day. The lack of water for cooking was

highlighted as a contributing factor, as well as the depleted purchasing power to access local markets. Even if cash

were available, the price of basic foodstuffs was reported as prohibitive. A 5g sachet of milk power for one serving is

currently 50Ksh, and the price of meat (imported from other areas) has risen from 130-150Ksh/kg, to 250Ksh/kg

D. Livelihoods

Approximately 90% of the population of West Madera

depend on livestock and livestock products as a means of

income. The location Chief of Dandu estimated that 65% of

the cattle population have perished in the drought, with

goat herds also suffering high rates of mortality. There is

minimal livestock left in the location centre, the majority was

reported by community elders to have now migrated to

Ethiopia in search of pasture. Emergency fodder was stated

as vital to maintain a breeding stock of cattle and shoats,

and keep the donkeys alive as they are the main source of

transport for water. Destocking of remaining weak animals

was mentioned as a priority for Dandu, although the

window is very short.

E. Health

Save the Children have recorded a current GAM rate of 32.6% across the entire County, with a SAM of 8.5%. It was

not possible to visit Health Centres in Madera as they were closed at the time of assessment due to the Ramadan

working hours.


3.3 Marsabit County, North Central Kenya

A. Accessibility

Marsabit County is located in the North

Central area Kenya, bordering Ethiopia to

the North, Wajiir County to the East and

Turkana, Samburu and Isiolo counties to

the West and South. Marsabit is comprised

of five districts including: Marsabit North

and Central and North Horr, Loyiyangalani

and Laisamis. The County covers a vast

area of 70,961Km2, covering

approximately 12% of the territory of

Kenya. Road access is limited to dirt

roads, only accessible with an off road

vehicle. Road conditions in the North of the County are poor. Mobile phone coverage is limited to location Centres,

and is inconsistent. At assessment time, there was no communication access when driving between locations.

B. Water and sanitation

� Marsabit North: It was found to be the most acute and critical district of the assessment in terms of access to

water. The District Water Officer for Marsabit North recounted that the thirty water pans in Marsabit North

have all been dry for two years now, as have underground tanks which previously collected rainwater run-off

from hillsides. Of the ten functioning boreholes in the district, 7 were functional although stressed and at

least half produce a very low yield or were saline. Of the 38 sites identified in the district for water trucking, 32

were currently not being served at assessment date. Eight boreholes have been sunk by a Chinese Road

construction company in the district, all of reportedly high yield, and three have been opened for community

access. However, they will need to be equipped with pumping equipment including the pump, pipes, genset,

and a genset shelter.

Turbi Location: The Water Committee at the Borehole of Turbi location reported a very low and decreasing

yield of ~0.5m3/h with a 3-4 hours recharge time, with an extremely saline output. Girls aged between 8 and

15 were reported waiting at the water pump from 7am up to 6pm everyday in the wait for water flow for

household use. Water trucking was quoted as sporadic, and at 3000Ksh per truck it was prohibitively

expensive for the community to raise funds.

Burbago location: At assessment time, the location was the single high yielding source of water Turbi area,

but trekking distances both for livestock grazing and household use are rising. The average trekking distance

for household usage of water was reported to be 40KM. The Chief of Burbago location stated the urgent

need for repairs for the pump and the borehole both indicated as no longer operational. An idle borehole


sunk by a Chinese Road construction company lies 10Km for Burgabo, and was available for committee

usage if it was kitted out with the necessary equipment for pumping.

� Marsabit Central: Access to water was indicated also in

acute shortage in this district. The Bakuli spring was

indicated as the main source for the area, but the current

yield of 18m3/h is insufficient for the surrounding population

of 40,000 people. Four boreholes were reported in the

district, two of which have a good yield, with the remaining

two almost dry. Water trucking was stressed as highly

needed in 172 locations across the district, but no water

trucking was operational in these locations. At assessment

time, 15 to 20 private Water Trucks were reported functional

in Marsabit township, with the average price of hire for 16tons of water at 25-35,000Ksh per journey.

C. Food security

Limited supplies (basic food items: maize, rice, tea, sugar, water) were found available in local markets. Moyale in

the North, and Marsabit Township in the Central district provide access to full markets including food stuffs,

construction materials, vehicle spare parts etc.

The Chief of Turbi location confirmed that food available on the local market was prohibitively expensive, at

approximately double the price for the same items this time last year. This was confirmed by community members in

Marsabit Central, who claimed that inflation made food items extremely expensive. For example one kilo of sugar

was previously selling for 90Ksh, with the current price having risen to 150Ksh. The price of one kilo of maize has

also risen from 20 to 35Ksh.

The population of the satellite villages on the Diid Galgalu plain (around 300 households) was found highly

dependent on food aid distribution and water trucking. Community members reported having difficulties of cooking

the rice and cereals as they are now

D. Livelihoods

Western Marsabit was found with lesser animal mortality rates than Wajiir and Mandera. However, community

members highlighted a worsening situation as the distance between water points and pastures become increasingly

further away. For example, the distance from Burbabo borehole to the nearest pasture is indicated to be of 83Km.

Local community members around the water point claimed that 50% of cattle have perished on the journey. Those

animals, predominantly camels, capable of the journey have migrated to Ethiopia in search of pasture, or to other

areas of Kenya to the South. Conflicts between migrant and host populations were reported in the Merti region of


Isiolo. Emergency destocking of remaining livestock to provide a cash injection to resource deprived pastoral

populations. Emergency fodder was indicated as vital to retain a breeding stock, as well as for donkeys which are the

main method of water transportation in the area.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. WASH

Although WASH is a sector which was observed with the most comprehensive coverage by (I) NGOS in the three

assessed counties, key gaps remain.

Water trucking is critical as a life saving intervention in a large number of locations (7 in Wajiir North alone, 30

locations in Madera West and 172 points in Marsabit North and Central). Government and aid actors capacity was

reported insufficient by local authorities to meet needs. Private water trucking is cost prohibitive and sporadic.

Borehole fuel subsidy, spare parts and rehabilitation is of necessity in at least half of the currently drilled

boreholes. With diminishing purchasing power and cash availability at the community level, households are

struggling to meet water associated charges (currently 2-4Ksh per jerry can and set to rise with the increase in fuel

prices). It is currently estimated that 1 in 3 existing boreholes in assessed counties are non- functioning, at least half

of which are due to broken generators or pumps. Training and tools for pump attendance is of importance as

currently entire counties are served by one ‘emergency repair’ team. Desalination equipment is of importance in at

least four locations across the three Counties, as the water from these boreholes is not fit for human consumption.

Health Officers at every dispensary assessed reported an alarming increase in diseases related to sanitation and

hygiene, most notably diarrhoea. Health workers indicated that absence of hygiene training at the source and

household level, as well as very low levels of latrine coverage are contributing factors. Incidence of infections and

fungus infections are also increasingly common – attributed to the lack of available water for washing. Hygiene

training, as well as hygiene kits (including a minimum of ceramic filters, jerry cans, water treatment tablets and

soap) are essential, as is latrine construction, with a focus on schools, health centres, and high yielding water

collection points. Basic pit latrines at the community or household level using locally available labour and materials

would be sufficient for the interim period due to mass population movement and could be linked to cash

programming.

2. Access to food

Despite GoK and WFP relief food distribution, access to food is still limited. As local markets are functioning, high

prices due to rapid inflation being the limiting factor, food vouchers or food for work programming would be a viable

method of ensuring access to food.


A food voucher system would also enable a greater flexibility in food items, as dry pulses and rice are not suitable for

the under fives and elderly. Distribution of livestock products could also be linked to emergency destocking.

All food related programming must be related to access to safe water, as an inability to cook dry foodstuff was found

to be a key factor related to malnutrition.

3. Livelihoods

Emergency livestock interventions, as the primary means of livelihood for 95% of the population of the Counties,

are of critical importance. Interviews with community elders estimated the current levels of remaining livestock in

Wajiir West and North range from 5-20% and continue to decrease; a similar level of animal mortality is reported in

both Marsabit and Madera. The animals remaining in these communities are those too weak to migrate, or newborn

and lactating animals.. In addition to breeding stock, milk production is also of critical need as part of the staple diet

of the pastoralists and to supplement feeding programmes for malnourished children under five and elders.

Emergency fodder supplies are needed as pasture grazing lands are completely decimated. Animals are currently

feeding from household rubbish and cardboard boxes. Veterinary interventions such a de-worming are also vital.

A final round of destocking is needed as an emergency intervention, to slaughter the weakest animals that will not

survive in order to channel emergency fodder into the most suitable animals for breeding stock. Resulting meat will

also provide vital protein to communities currently dependent on food aid rations of rice and pulses.

With a devastated source of income, cash purchasing power of communities is completely diminished. Items such as

water subsidies, firewood, clothes, and supplementary food stuffs were reported as needed. Cash for work

programmes would address the duel needs of cash access and enable vital small scale community projects such as

community clean up and drought related disaster mitigation. Potential cash for work activities include: de-silting of

dams and seasonal streams, digging of gabion trenches, refuse collection, animal carcass disposal.

4. Peace building

Pastoralists are now migrating increasing distances in search of pasture and water for their surviving livestock.

Integrating a peace element into emergency programming is vital to avoid conflict between migrating populations and

host communities.

Peace committees were found to be existing at the community level, but are extremely limited in terms of resources

and the ability to cover the cost of transportation. Mobilisation, and the facilitation of peace committees ability travel


and sustain themselves in the host community is of imperative need to mitigate conflict over resources by migrating

pastoralists and host communities.

Documents

ACTED - Rapid Assessment report - Northern Kenya July 2011.pdf