Staff from donor organizations attended a two day training on people owned process (PoP) which took place in Bonn – Germany.

The 18 participants were from three donor organizations in Germany namely EED, Bread for the World and Miseror.

The training was facilitated by two PoP master trainers from the Anglican Church of Kenya. Mr. Peter Nyorsok from Directorate of Social Services (ACK DOSS) and Mrs. Josephine Tarus from ACK – Eldoret Region have been involved in trainings for other organizations within and
outside the country thus the invitation to train in Germany.

They were assisted by Mrs. Monika Hoffman Kuehnel and Mrs. Regina Radtke from EED.

The key objectives of the training were for the staff to gain understanding on the PoP approach of development which Anglican Church of Kenya the implementing partner
organization engages in.

The approach of development stipulates that the
communities are the ultimate beneficiaries of development and should therefore be given a bigger say in determining which projects should be implemented in their localities. The implementing organizations are also urged to let the communities select the project that represent their
interests not those imposed from any external influences.

Participants of the workshop who represent the respective donor organizations in various countries and regions around the world were taken through the evolution of PoP methodology as an effective method of interacting with community members.

In addition, the facilitators successfully managed to
demystify the perception that communities living in the least developed and developing countries are so resource poor that they cannot start their own development
initiatives unless provided with hand-outs or some form of start-up capital.

Results and case studies of successes achieved by
communities who have been facilitated through PoP were shared. The stories elicited a lot of responses from
participants who sought to understand how possible is it for ‘ poor ' communities to start their own projects and
successfully and sustainably implement them without any material support from outsiders.

People owned- Process aims at enabling the community members take charge in their development initiatives and in determining their desired future.

One of the main challenges of development is the dependency syndrome where the implementers seek more resources without much impact on the ground.

In Kenya, the people – owned process of development has effectively taken root in Western Region Christian
Community Services (WRCCS), Eldoret Region Christian Community Services (ELRECO), Anglican Development Service (ADS) Nyanza and Anglican Church of Kenya-Directorate of Social Services (ACK-DOSS).

ACK – DOSS staff and other development implementing regions underwent the training last year and have
integrated the lessons in their participatory engagements with the communities.

Report By: Peter Nyorsok - ACK DOSS Community Capacity Building Coordinator  

Anglicans and Christian Aid renewed their partnership for development at a three-day consultation which ended yesterday (Thursday 17th) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Building on experience in Burundi, Kenya, Nigeria and Sudan, they looked at new models for making their joint work more effective in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world.

This included:

• Affirmation from Christian Aid for the  Anglican Alliance.
• A commitment from the Anglican Alliance to capacity building among development partners in the Communion -  one of the key needs to emerge from the consultation.
• Joint working on partnerships for development, and building  a theology to underpin this work.

The workshop heard about joint Anglican and Christian Aid work on emergency relief in Kenya, HIV and Aids in Nigeria, environmental conservation in Burundi and post conflict advocacy for Sudan. The need for continuing commitment to Sudan was underlined by one participant who left Malakal in southern Sudan after heavy military bombardment to travel to Nairobi.

Attendees at the meeting included  Archbishop Daniel Deng of Sudan , Canon Grace Kaiso, general secretary of CAPA, Sally Keeble, Director of the Anglican Alliance for relief, development and advocacy, Rachel Carnegie, International Development Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury,  Karimi Kinoti Deputy Regional Director of Christian Aid and  Paul Valentin, Christian Aid's Director of Programmes.  The consultation was opened by Archbishop Eliud Wabukala of Kenya.

Inter– religious leaders engaged in a one day consultative dialogue on reducing “HIV and AIDS related stigma.“

The forum, held on 3rd November 2010 in Nairobi, urged faith leaders to effectively engage and commit to providing necessary leadership to develop long-term advocacy against stigma.

During the forum, posters to promote safer practices, available medication, voluntary testing and empowerment (SAVE) campaign were launched by ACK Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala and Sheikh Mohammed Sharif from Lamu. The faith leaders will work together with renewed commitment to overcome stigma through utilizing faith– based messages in their respective religions.

In a study on the Changes in Forest Cover in Kenya done by the Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG), the Government's Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS), with technical input from Christian Lambrechts of UNEP, it reveals  that some 7084 hectares of forest have been cleared in the Mau Complex during this period.

Mau Complex, which is the largest remaining forest block in Eastern Africa, is one of the most affected of the five water towers. 

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya released  a pastoral letter to all dioceses in the regions emphasizing on the need for environmental stewardship. In the  letter, he challenged every person to take responsibility on environmental conservation to mitigate and reduce further destruction and adverse effects which are evident.

President Kibaki declared the current drought and famine a national emergency. On average one in every three Kenyans are in danger of starvation. According to a study by the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG, ten million Kenyans are facing food shortage, this includes, an estimated 3.5 million to 4.1 million urban dwellers who are highly food insecure and unlikely to meet their basic food needs on a day to day basis and 1.5 million children under the GOK/ WFP school feeding programme.

The erratic rainfall patterns in many parts of the country led to massive corp failure leading to insufficient food production.

OPERATION RUDI NYUMBANI
Returning home after the post- election violence

Following the post- election crisis that affected the country, a large number of families were displaced and an estimated number of over 1500 killed. Kisumu city in Nyanza Province was one of the areas that bore the impact of the conflict.

The government's plan to resettle the thousands of people displaced from their homes during the post 2007 election violence in Kenya was received with mixed reactions. The resettlement initiative dubbed ‘ Operation rudi nyumbani ‘ (operation return home) kicked off on May 5, 2008.

Although the displaced people in some of the IDP camps welcomed the move, most of them were concerned about the guarantee of their safety and access to basic necessities (food, shelter, health, education and sources of livelihoods) once they return to their farms.

The displaced people did not escape with anything when the violence erupted, while their homes including food stores were burnt down and other property stolen. The returnees carried the tents they were using at the camps to use them for shelter in the meantime at their farms before they reconstruct their homes.

To suppport the resettlement initiative, Nyanza Inter-diocesan Christian Community Services ( IDCCS Ltd) received 200 kitchen kits towards the end of February from DOSS.

The kits were distributed in two camps for the Internally Displaced people namely Koru Police Station and Muhoroni/Mnara D.O ‘s office. The returnees who were resettled in back into their communities were targeted in the two IDCCS Project sites namely Ahero Parish of The ACK and Pap-Onditi Parish.

It is reported that most people fear that once the resettlement of the displaced people is done, long term issues that have always divided the communities leading to inter-ethnic conflict experienced in the areas would remain unaddressed, making it volatile in the future if triggered. Many are requesting for dialogue in order to resolve the differences.

Report by- Sam Omondi (Nyanza ADS) Edited by- Joyce Wambui (ACK DOSS)

11th June 2008 marked an important day in the history of the Anglican Church of Kenya. A high profile delegation gathered at the ACK Guesthouse Nairobi to officially launch the NAIKA Christian Community Services(NAIKA - CCS).

Graced by the NAIKA Chairman Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, and the Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, it was presided over by the Nairobi Diocese Bishop Njoka. Other guests at the launch include Equity Bank CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, Church Commissioners of Kenya CEO Mr. Sam Awour, and bishops and clergy from different parts of the country.
Hon. Mutula Kilonzo and
Bishop Njoka appreciate the artwork of the diplays

The event was livened up by a skit from ACK St. Phillip'S Jericho Church, exhibitions from various institutions within the NAIKA region, and a short documentary highlighting the role of NAIKA.

NAIKA is an abbreviation of Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints Dioceses. It seeks to reach out to the community through social programmes including Capacity building, Water and Sanitation, Food Security, Health and HIV/ AIDS among others.

After the post election violence that hit various parts of the country, livelihoods almost came to a standstill. Many were displaced from the land they have known as home for many years. As the rainy season started, the internally displaced families sat hlplessly at the camps. No sources of finances to cultivate the land and resume the small- scale farming they are accustomed to. It was a struggle to rebuild livelihoods.

In Ndefo area located in the newly created Molo District, in the Rift Valley province of Kenya, the skirmishes displaced over 4, 000 people. The area which has well drained volcanic soils lay bare with weeds and dry stalks of harvested maize. A reflection of food insecurity that would face parts of the nation.

The Anglican Church of Kenya in collaboration with Diakonie Humanitarian Aid Germany and the Lutheran Church came together to offer humanitarian support . Diakonie supported the community with food stuffs for a period of three months and the Lutheran Church donated funds for maize seeds.

With time, some IDP's eventually went back to their farms. Idleness that heightened tension in the area was reduced as much time and energy was channeled to productive farm work. This reduced dependency on relief foods support, and established good grounds for peace building between the two neighboring communities. The path to rebuilding livelihoods has just begun.

It's a story of changed lives, livelihoods shattered and families displaced from the place they have known as home for years. As we visited different locations in Nakuru districts, the evidence of a land afflicted laid bare. Deserted roads, burnt shopping centres, discouraged families at the camps and abandoned land awaiting cultivation.

Anglican Church of Kenya supported by Diakonie and the Government of Germany visited some of the areas affected by the post - election violence. In a mission dabbed; Together as one, the initiative hopes to donate emergency aid to the affected.

1. Razed- Shopping centre 2. Deserted- Land for cultivation 3. Donation- Maize seeds & blankets

At every distribution point namely Tiret, Baringo B, Tegea and Ndeffo, hundreds gathered with high expectations for provision of seeds and work in the due season. Those who were left behind had no seeds to plant since the previous years' harvest was set ablaze, while those at the camps had nothing to cover themselves in this cold season. To meet the need, the team donated maize seeds and blankets.

Food supplies remain limited, the few shopping centers that existed then were razed to ashes thus they travel long distances. Sustainable sources of income were affected and providing for families has been a challenging responsibility.

The expanse untilled land threatens food security in the nation since the area' massive produce supplies cereals to many parts of the country.

Other items to be supplied include tanks for water storage and improved sanitation, kitchen kits with basic utensils, soap, building materials, and high energy biscuits for expectant and lactating mothers.

The project was officially launched on April 14 th 2008.
Story and photos by - Joyce Wambui K.

MICRO- ENTERPRISE TRAINING

Mombasa IDP's training by Tumaini na Undugu team

While life seems to be back on track to many Kenyans after the post- election violence, many are still working on the paces. In Mombasa, hundreds of internally displaced people are yet to resettle. Hosted by well- wishers, friends and family, unknown to them is channels for sustainable sources of income.

In a bid to restore hope, the Tumaini na Undugu team met a group of approximately 150 internally displaced persons at Wesley Methodist Church in Tononoka, Mombasa. The team comprising of Mr. Joseph Wangai from ACK Directorate of Social Services and James Sina of Equity Bank, health and Micro- enterprise ventures were their respective specialties.

Shortly after, the attendees grouped in tens, shared business ideas and sought professional counsel on business plans. They plan to acquire micro- loans for capital through the bank. "The culture of dependency is not their nature, they want to start their businesses and earn for their families," said Wanjiru, a volunteer counsellor.


Ready to live on after their businesses were looted and burnt down, they thanked the Tumaini na Undugu initiative for the workshop. After the training, each recieved two packets of flour donated by the Tumaini na Undugu initiative.

In attendance was the Methodist Church bishop Paul Kagwi and Equity bank Manager Mombasa branch, Mrs. Charity Mwakesi.

The Tumaini na Undugu initiative is a partnership of PCEA, Methodist Church , Anglican Church of Kenya, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Equity bank, Britak and Housing Finance.

KENYA'S CRISIS- The road to recovery

After the post- election violence that affected many parts of the country, adverse effects on the lives of many are evident. The nation is striving to recover from the losses; restoring peaceful co- existence and rebuilding the economy. Its the long road to recovery and regaining the lost glory. Read more

LEFT BEHIND (Real Life Experience)

Left behind with no possessions. Left behind motherless. Left...with three children to take care of.

When the skirmishes started in Eldoret, she hurriedly packed few belonging and rushed the church grounds which were perceived places of peace: together with her mother and three children. Reginah, then expectant, joined hundreds of other displaced people who had found their refuge in Kenya Assemblies of God Pentecostal Church in Kiambaa in the outskirts of the town of Eldoret in Kenya.

On the fateful day, January 31 st 2007 , she had gone to town with one of her young sons to purchase some of the items lacking at the camp. While away, the tension in Kiambaa area intensified and fighting continued.

Unruly youths surrounded the church in Eldoret singing war songs.The attackers blocked the doors, poured fuel at the church building and set it ablaze.

Her mum, Wambui, who was on a whee-lchair could not escape. Good Samaritans tried to push her out but the commotion at the door could not ease her movement. The kind lady requested those who could save their lives to do so first. Helplessly she was consumed in flames. The other son who was left narrowly escaped when one man broke the wooden wall and pushed him out. Her brother who is a student at the Nairobi University , tried to rescue the mum but was hacked with machetes and was seriously injured. He regained consciousness later but is yet to regain his full memory.

At a small house in Kawangware Nairobi is where Reginah Wambui resides with her three young children. In her arms peacefully rests Angel Wambui, a one month old baby girl who was named after her mother who was burnt alive in the church in Eldoret. Her bundle of joy is the memory of their beloved mum.

Hosted by her cousin, she's yet to come to terms with the details of the heart- breaking ordeal. The two sons Paul Muriuki,7 and James Irungu, 11 haven't reported back to school, her efforts to secure them a has been futile. Though young, they can clearly comprehend the events that preceded their evacuation. Muriuki could not mention the former school where he was at Kiambaa. “He doesn't mention the name of the place anymore. The memories are still fresh. It grieves him,” said the mum.

As she struggled to narrate the encounter, her eyes were teary. “We haven't buried the ashes of our mum. The authorities postponed the burial until further notice,” she said.

Angel, her new- born daughter, is all she can hold on to. Hoping life will regain its momentum, and her feet able to rise again. Left behind…to light the candle of hope to her beloved children.

Story and photo by - Joyce Wambui

Located 50kms from the city center is Tigoni police station. Contrary to the daily responsibility of maintaining law and order, the police station has been turned to a place of refuge for the internally displaced people in Tigoni, Limuru.

Despite the small perimeter at the police station, it hosts 4,200 displaced people from different ethnic communities. When it was opened on January 28 th , 2008 the numbers ranked 6,400 but some have managed to travel upcountry to their “rural homes.” Kids are the majority with 60% recorded at the camp.

Unfortunately, water and sanitation are limited thus exposing the children to diseases. Cases of vomiting and diarrhoea have been reported. “The weather is extreme and the children are suffering form colds and flu. Urgent medical support is needed,” said Swaleh the Red Cross team leader at the camp.

The people flee from their homes with little or no possession at all, leaving them at the mercy of well- wishers. Many have contributed food stuff and clothing leaving the psycho- social support unattended.

Tumaini na Undugu and initiative of Equity Bank, ACK, PCEA and Methodist church spent a day to offer psycho- social support . Members of staff represented their respective organizations. The fun day drew away the cloud of gloom as the people burst into laughter courtesy of the Vitimbi comedians skits addressing the issues in our country, with a light touch. Youngesters were treated to the creative art of face painting. Interludes of music from the K-krew(Hope fm) and other gospel artists gave the displaced an aura of peace amidst despair.

We hope that more Kenyans will join in the initiaitive and impact lives.  

In response to the humanitarian crisis that has hit parts of the country following the 2007 disputed presidential results, Equity bank has donated Shs.10 million to Tumaini na Undugu Response, presented on January 22 nd 2008 .

The initiative which is a partnership of PCEA, Methodist Church , Anglican Church of Kenya, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the bank itself, seeks to restore hope.

The cheque for shs.10 million was jointly received by ACK Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, Methodist church presiding Bishop Rev. Dr .Stephen Kanyaru, PCEA Moderator Rev. Samuel Murigu and KBC Managing director, Mr. David Waweru.

Presenting the cheque, Equity bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi said the success of the initiative would depend on the generous contributions by the Kenyans towards this needy and worthy cause. He said the church has been very supportive in giving moral, material and spiritual assistance. Archbishop Nzimbi said, “We have joined together to help the needy Kenyans. We are also calling for peaceful co-existence the way we have lived as one country, one Kenya . We appeal and pray for peace so that these people can go back to live their normal lives,” Said Nzimbi.

Anglican church dioceses of Kirinyaga, Embu and Thika donated foodstuff, clothing and other relief items to the thousands of displaced people who are taking refuge in Molo and Mau Summit churches respectively.

The donated items were first received in Nakuru and the ACK diocesan bishop Stephen Mwangi Njihia with his committee of partner representatives for distribution to the displaced. Both Molo and Mau Summit fall under Nakuru diocese. On behalf of the committee, Bishop Njihia thanked the three dioceses for their donations which were among the first to be received after the partnership came into being.

So far the partners in the Tumaini na Undugu partnership have distributed over 100 tons of food and clothing.

Contributions in cash or kind can be sent to Equity Bank A/C Number: 0180291752844

Email: info@tumaininaundugu.org Telephone + 254 20 2192841/ 2

Story by - Joyce Wambui

BACKGROUND

Kenyans went to the ballot on Thursday 27 th December, 2007 morning for both the presidential and parliamentary seats in the republic. The Election Day went smoothly with no reported cases of violence in various part of the country. Trouble and sense of insecurity started on Friday evening when the body mandated with conducting election in Kenya- ECK (Electoral Commission of Kenya) addressed a press conference and indicated / blamed the delay in announcing presidential results on some returning Officers who allegedly had disappeared with election results in some constituencies.

The election presidential results were announced on December, 30 Th . 2007, naming Mwai Kibaki as the winner. This led to tensions and violence in Nyanza, Rift Valley and parts of Western Provinces in Kenya which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people with tens of thousands fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in police stations, schools and churches. Reports indicate that Eldoret (Rift Valley) has the largest number of Internally Displaced Persons, followed by Nakuru, Nyanza and western.

The volatile situation in the country has called for humanitarian support to those affected.

INTERVENTIONS SO FAR

1.Members of the ACT Kenya Forum (AKF) have met and are remaining in constant contact as they plan a response to the humanitarian needs. The ACT Kenya Forum has already mobilized the following resources:

• Church World Service (CWS) is providing emergency food relief (US $20,000) for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nairobi slums, who urgently need assistance. CWS is working through its implementing partner, the Kenyan Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC).

• Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is providing food relief (US $28,000) for IDPs in Kisumu. NCA is working through its implementing partner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK).

• Dan Church Aid (DCA) has committed $22,500 to Anglican Church Of Kenya Eldoret CCS to provide relief food.

• Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has committed $ 25,000 to ELCK and KELC at the coast.

• Christian Aid is fundraising for $60,000 to support interventions in IDCCS- Nyanza.

• Diakonie Emergency Aid is fundraising for Free Pentecostal Church in Kenya in Western and Nyanza.

• Diakonia  will support NCCK in their interventions in Western.

2.  Several national forums have being set up to discuss intervention strategies, we are constantly updated on the
progress.

3. The RCCS in the affected areas – Eldoret, Mt. Kenya East, Mt. Kenya , Nakuru-  have developed their concepts and approached their regular  development partners. Eldoret has received commitment from ICCO the other RCCS are still waiting.

WAY FORWARD

1. ACT Kenya forum members are developing an appeal – ACK component will have Nakuru, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kenya East Regions.
2. Continue to participate in the ACT and other national meetings.
3.  We are appealing to other partners for support.  You could contact us through ackdev@africaonline.co.ke for comments or any available support.

Kenyans went to the polls on Thursday 27th December 2007 to elect civic, parliament and presidential leaders. They voted peacefully and eagerly awaited the results. 

On Sunday 30th December 2007, following the announcement of the Presidential elections results, the country was plunged into an unprecedented violence and lawlessness characterised by murder, arson, rape, looting and all kinds of threats and intimidation.

Just prior to the announcement of the results by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) Chairman Mr. Samuel Kivuitu, tensions had already started to mount as both PNU and ODM supporters called for the ECK to announce the winner.

With tensions high, the announcement therefore of President Kibaki as the winner of the elections, inflamed the already volatile situation sparking off violent protests in Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and parts of Nairobi.

The situation pitted communities against each other and this led to ejecting  and intimidation of members of one community from these towns resulting to a huge influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The IDPs consist mainly of women and children, currently accommodated in police stations, churches, social/community centres, Agricultural Society of Kenya show grounds etc.

This has set off a huge humanitarian crisis as these displaced Kenyans are in dire need of food, water and clothing.

Humanitarian organisations, corporate organisations, and Kenyans of goodwill among others have rallied together to provide much needed assistance and relief.

We passionately appeal for calm and tolerance as Kenyans embrace each other in love and acceptance, a people who have peacefully coexisted for years.

We stand in solidarity with the thousands of Kenyans who are suffering and undergoing hardships and appeal to all our partners and friends to join us in supporting them in any way possible. Read more