The harsh effects of drought have devastated many regions across Kenya, but in Kilifi County, hope has arrived in the form of timely food aid. Gapeka Organization, a dedicated charity, has stepped forward to support over 800 families facing hunger due to prolonged dry spells. This intervention comes as a relief to vulnerable families, especially those with school-going children, who often find themselves struggling the most during the holiday season. The relief package, which includes basic food supplies like maize flour, rice, and cooking oil, is a beacon of hope for those who have endured crop failures and scarce resources. The support from Gapeka aims to sustain families for two months, helping them navigate through this difficult period.
The Extent of the Drought: Kilifi County, like many parts of Kenya, has been hit hard by an extended dry season. The prolonged drought has decimated crop production, leaving families without a reliable source of food. As the rains continue to fail, local farmers are unable to cultivate their fields, and livestock suffer from lack of water and pasture. The impact of these conditions on families is profound, with many unable to provide even a single meal a day for their children. The lack of rain has also affected water resources, exacerbating the already dire situation in many homes.
With no end in sight for the drought, families have been left feeling helpless. Many households in Kilifi County depend on subsistence farming for survival, and the crop failures have left them with nothing to harvest. The government has declared the region one of the worst-hit by drought, and the recent launch of the Drought Response Interventions initiative underscores the urgency of the situation. However, despite government efforts, the sheer scale of the crisis requires more collaborative actions from both private organizations and individuals. This is where Gapeka’s food aid has stepped in as a vital lifeline.
Gapeka Organization’s Timely Intervention: Responding to the government’s call for collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of the drought, Gapeka Organization has provided much-needed food aid to over 800 vulnerable families in Kilifi. The relief package includes essential food supplies such as maize flour, rice, cooking oil, and other necessities that will sustain these families for the next two months. Each family received a food parcel worth Sh6,000, which included two bundles of maize flour and a 25-kilogram bag of rice, ensuring that families have enough to feed themselves during the school holiday season.
Gapeka’s Executive Director, Gabriela Vonwald, highlighted the urgency of providing food relief, especially to families with school-going children, who struggle the most during holidays when school meal programs are unavailable. “Whenever I am in Kenya, I do family visits, and I can see the hunger. I feel it when I take these kids in my arms and ask them when they last ate. Very often, the answer is two days ago, or last day in the morning, but never twice a day,” Vonwald said. Her personal connection to the families and their plight drives her commitment to ensuring they do not suffer from hunger.
The food aid program is part of Gapeka’s broader mission to provide sustainable support to vulnerable communities, including children’s education and nutritional support. Over the years, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner in Kilifi, helping thousands of children access education and basic needs.
The Role of the Children’s Help Center: Joining Gapeka in this critical intervention is the Children’s Help Center, led by CEO Jonathan Guyo, who echoed the need for urgent drought relief in Kilifi. Guyo explained that the total crop failure caused by the prolonged drought has left many families without a reliable food source. The short rains, which were expected to bring some relief, have been unreliable, further compounding the crisis. “We are aware that the families have been suffering as a result of total crop failure this year and even the next season, which is the short rain season, is not really reliable,” he stated.
Guyo and his team are working tirelessly to ensure that families receive the food parcels they need to survive the coming months. Their aim is to sustain families with enough food for at least one to two months, allowing them to weather the worst of the drought’s impact while the government and other organizations continue to seek long-term solutions.
Families Grateful for the Support: The food aid has brought immense relief to the beneficiaries, many of whom had been struggling to feed their children. One of the recipients, Catherine Kazungu from Tezo, shared her gratitude, explaining how the drought had left her family feeling hopeless. “The drought has worsened, and all I can say is to thank God for this far He has taken us. My family is now sorted, and we will enjoy our living for the next two months,” she said.
Catherine’s story is just one among hundreds, as many other parents expressed their appreciation for the assistance provided by Gapeka and its partners. For families like hers, the food aid is nothing short of a miracle. It not only provides sustenance but also restores hope and dignity to those who had begun to lose faith in receiving help.
The Call for Continued Support: While the food aid has provided a temporary reprieve, both Gapeka and the Children’s Help Center emphasize that continued support is necessary to combat the drought’s long-term effects. Vonwald has called on other organizations and individuals to join the effort to help Kilifi’s hunger-stricken families. “If you have more than you need for the moment, please share with people who do not have,” she urged, encouraging a spirit of sharing and generosity.
Guyo echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the crisis is far from over. The drought has caused a ripple effect, with food prices soaring, making it even more difficult for families to afford basic necessities. The organizations involved hope that their efforts will inspire others to step forward and contribute to the cause.
Conclusion: The food aid provided by Gapeka Organization and its partners has been a critical intervention for over 800 families in Kilifi County, offering them a lifeline in the face of prolonged drought and hunger. The organization’s dedication to helping vulnerable communities, especially during the school holiday season, has brought hope and relief to many families who were struggling to make ends meet. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, as the drought continues to ravage the region. Collaborative efforts from the government, private organizations, and individuals will be essential in ensuring that these families are not left behind. As the people of Kilifi express their gratitude for the food aid, the call for sustained support grows louder, reminding us all of the power of sharing and community during times of crisis.
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