Global Refugee Fund

IsraAID recently completed an emergency response in Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps following an outbreak of inter-community violence in June. Fighting between the Anyuak and Nuer communities broke out on June 20, resulting in 19 deaths, 10,000 refugees displaced, and over 700 homes damaged or destroyed. Building on our long-term presence in the camps, IsraAID Kenya deployed quickly to support the urgent mental health, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and education needs of over 1,200 people affected by the violence.

The six-day conflict destroyed the homes of over 3,500 refugees living in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. IsraAID immediately launched an emergency assessment, training frontline workers from the refugee community to conduct the assessment and provide basic psychological first aid. On July 25, IsraAID began its urgent response, providing educational materials, distributing hygiene items and promoting awareness on sanitation, rehabilitating destroyed sanitation facilities, and strengthening community leaders’ ability to handle future conflicts.

IsraAID identified over 620 children who were unable to attend school due to the clashes. In addition, many saw their school supplies destroyed. IsraAID distributed over 4,000 schoolbooks, 2,000 pens, and 150 backpacks, to more than 400 children whose school materials had been destroyed. IsraAID also provided nearly 250 school uniforms.

To support sanitation and hygiene needs and promote safe water use, IsraAID distributed jerricans to 200 households, nearly 400 treated mosquito nets, over 1,300 menstrual supplies, and 450 bars of soap to conflict-affected households. Alongside distributions, IsraAID helped inform communities of sanitation risks, and held a forum on safe water use, proper hygiene, and the prevention of communicable diseases in emergency settings. IsraAID also constructed 66 temporary communal latrines, supporting nearly 800 displaced people. Proper latrines are essential to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, which often spike during displacement crises.

Finally, IsraAID led trainings for 30 community leaders, focusing on how to mediate disputes and promote cooperation in times of crisis. Leaders also learned about community management during disasters and effective communication strategies.

With the completion of the emergency response, IsraAID Kenya is now developing a post-emergency plan to continue supporting communities as they recover.