Trip Report: Kenya 14-24 August 2011
Submitted by: Robert J Boucek
The Aim of the trip was to initiate relief mission to drought-affected areas of Kenya. Key activities included meeting with ministry partner, initiating food distribution, assessment for on-going ministry, and delivery of Potato-W.
Kisumu/Kakamega - I was met at the Kisumu airport by Bishop Javan Ommani and his associate, Ernest Akhona. We immediately headed to Kakamega, about one hour north of Kisumu. Javan Ommani is a former M.P. (Member of Parliament). His prior public service has been an advantage in opening doors and he seems to be generally well-regarded.
In addition to the home church, they operate the Ematsayi Primary School with 320 students. The school caters to low-income families and charges no fees. The ministry also operates an orphanage – Grace and Faith Children’s Center, of about 22 children. The Bishop also oversees a vocational school focusing on nursing, plumbing and carpentry and a dispensary in Kakamega.
Kenya is divided into nine provinces with elected governors; within the provinces are 69 Districts. Bishop Ommani had met with the D.C. in each District we planned to work and obtained a letter of introduction and support for our mission.In mid afternoon I met with the project team formed by the Bishop for the relief program. The team had sourced and stored the maize that had been bought locally which was loaded onto two trucks for carriage upcountry.
Kapenguria, West Pokot - We travelled north to Kitale for the night a medium-sized city 32km south of Kapenguria which resides, in West Pokot and sits atop the Cherangani Hills on the western rim of the Rift Valley. The areas on the plain to the west have suffered the most in the drought.
Distributions were made at two “centers” in the region. A Center is a gathering spot for the people whose homesteads are widely dispersed in view of their pastoral livelihoods.
Serewa is a center on the Trans-Nzoia Plateau. Bishop Ommani has planted a church here, and was warmly received. A group of approx 300 were gathered to receive a distribution of 50 bags (4500kg) of maize. The people were in need and grateful for the assistance. They had not received any prior aid.
Kangelai Subsequent to the Serewa distribution we crossed the ridge and travelled on the valley floor to Kangelai Center, a cross-country trip of over 60km. This group of 350-400 was in great need. The people were weak and weary; the group reported several recent deaths they attributed to malnutrition or complications from hunger. Potato-W was provided to several children who were particularly weak. We also provided transport to a sick child and mother for a girl suffering seizures.
Kangela and Serewa are both areas in need, and with established churches, are good centers to extend the emergency feeding program until the short rains resume and the hunger season is over.
Our next distribution was approx 170km to the north in Turkana province. As expected, the road to the north deteriorates badly after descending from the Hills onto the Rift Valley. The temperature increases as the terrain flattens and dries out. This area is a clash point between the Pokot people and the Turkana. Few shepherds were seen, but those observed were carrying Bows and arrows and even AK-47 rifles. We met our truck laden with 50 bags of maize in the town of Lokichar where we met with the District Officer; he accompanied us on the distributions to the east .
Lokichar - The areas to the east of Lokichar, between the road and the southern end of Lake Turkana have suffered greatly in the drought. There has been very little outside assistance to these very remote districts. Loss of livestock is very high and hunger is widespread. Political issues have also been a factor: Notwithstanding the official stance of some government officials, I heard many stories of death due to hunger.
Our first stop was Loperot, about 20km from Lokichar. We distributed 20 bags here amongst a crowd of 250-300. This town is in need of a strong Christian witness, based on my conversations with the elders.
The next distribution was at Nalemkais, about 15 km further into the wilderness. The area is arid and exceedingly remote. Temperatures were 35 – 37 Celsius (95-98 F) in the afternoon. The route follows a track but is mostly cross-country and a guide is needed to navigate accurately. In a very bleak and isolated place, we distributed 15 bags amongst 50-70 people. There was an evangelist in this place: Robert Ekiru. The need here was obvious and the recipients grateful.
Heading still further east, across dry river beds, our final stop in this area was Lomeleku – 52 km from Lokichar. As in the other two areas, the people were assembled – maybe 150 here. 15 bags were distributed. The village does have a Pastor: John Lorengemde.
These three “centers” represent 3 of 10 in this district. From all reports ;and personal observation, the needs are more pronounced the further to the east one travels. A CMF missionary whom I met in Lodwar confirmed this to be an obscure and desolate region where the drought had taken a toll. The little we were able to distribute was welcome, but the need extends well into the foreseeable future for these people.
Lodwar - Completing our distributions east of Lokichar, we transported a mother and sick child to the clinic in Lokichar and resumed our trip to Lodwar. Lodwar is the provincial capital of Turkana and has the feel of Dodge City in the 19th century. There are no paved roads in this hot, dusty town and few places to find respite from the conditions. The name Lodwar, means ”a bitter thing” in reference to the fruit of a common tree. Whilst not altogether a bitter place, Lodwar is a challenging place.
Turkana is no stranger to drought having had a severe hunger issue in 2009. As bad as that was, the region is suffering from the driest season in 60 years. UNICEF and the Kenya Red Cross have reported malnutrition rates at 37.4%
In Lodwar I met with Gene Morden, CMA missionary living in the region for 15 years, I also met with the District Officer to discuss the needs in the District, and finally with David Nakainand and his associate Jeremiah Ekitoe. David is the supervisor for the African Inland Church in South Turkana. David provided good background on the need for the gospel and church-planting, medical resources and hunger throughout the area.
Joining up with Stefan and Lamar at the airstrip we transferred to the Catholic Mission House ( St. Teresa; 3km outside of town). The WFP had graciously stored our maize which had been transported from Kakamega under the supervision of Brother Ernest.
The destination for the day was Kalemapus village in the Namadak district. Namedak is 60 km to the northeast of Lodwar and 15km north of Kalakol. Kalakol is at the end of the road, on the shores of Lake Turkana. Despite the proximity of the Lake, this too is an arid place. Upon arrival at nearly 6pm, we were met by a crowd of perhaps 350 who had been waiting all day. Patiently seated, this group had brought the bones of their dead animals to demonstrate the impact of the drought. The elderly women were observed eating the bitter fruit found in the region to stave of hunger.
Due to impending darkness we sought an abbreviated version of the typical greetings, speeches and formalities. The group was divided in four by clan for the distribution of the 50 bags maize. We left the final oversight of the distribution to the Chief who had accompanied us.
Loima Hills - Saturday our destination was the Loima Hills northwest of Lodawr. We travelled 42km on the road to South Sudan before leaving the tarmac. Turning west we followed the trail 15km to Loroo. A distribution of 10 bags was made among 200 people. A family was given a supply of Potato-W and instructed in proper use. People here reported they had last eaten on Thursday (two days prior), and that only berries.
With Steven Nakain, David’s son as a guide we travelled cross-country to Lomil, 10 km distant. Lomil was the site of an AIC school (789 students) and church. A group of 127 received 20 bags of maize, patiently standing in the sun. Shade was scarce here, and the needs were obvious. This is a very remote area. In fact the nearest town is Kakuma – home to a large refugee camp from the Sudan strife. Kakuma is appropriately named as the meaning in Swahili is “nowhere”.
Our final distribution was another 10 km to the north at Nakitoe-kirion. Also home to an AIC church and school with 124 students, we delivered 20 bags to the 200 assembled following a brief service. It should be noted, at each distribution we shared our reason for coming, our faith in Jesus Christ, encouragement to the local body of believers and exhortation to those who had yet to come to faith.
This final place, like the others, was bleak. No clinic, no water for miles – and it from the bed of a dry river. Murky, brown and tepid the people had no choice but to cook and drink with what they could find. In this place even the goats had been dying. There were camels and a few donkeys remaining. The people were selling charcoal and stones to earn a few shillings. It was reported that several had already died here as well.
Potato-W - Another primary goal was to facilitate the delivery and introduction of FMSC Potato-W to appropriate venues. Three pallets were airlifted to Nairobi from Chicago via KLM/KL. Our Customs Broker in Nairobi was successful in gaining duty-free admittance to Kenya .
Despite prior conversations with the District Public Health Officer and an on-site meeting with one of the nutritionists in Lodwar we were not able to introduce the product to the government operated hospital . Instead the AIC has gladly received the Potato-W for use in their clinics and dispensaries throughout Turkana.
Assessment - There is no doubt of the need for continued relief in the areas inspected. Hunger is serious, malnutrition is apparent, lives have been lost. Due to the strength, reliability and interest of the partner, we are able to ensure an effective outreach consistent with the core values and mission of Feed the Hungry: feeding the hungry, strengthening the church and reaching the lost.
Our lead partner, Bible & Literacy League of Kenya, has been very pro-active and helpful and has done all I have asked. They have proven reliable and trustworthy. Beyond their own existing areas of influence they have proven willing to work with others. Moreover they have committed to sending a team of two to Lodwar to pioneer a work as the Lord makes provision. We have also seen the African Inland Church to have an effective ministry and a willingness to work in partnership.
I can recommend without reservation the continued work in West Pokot and Turkana, coordinated through Bishop Ommani. We presently have 2x40’ enroute with rice meals, corn meal and soup mix. Slow transit will likely prevent arrival before mid/end October. Additional purchases of maize in-country will be the means to continue the ministry. Robert J Boucek
Director of Logistics
LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry
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