Humanitarian Emergency Alert: Kenyan Food Crisis
by Andrew Heck, Charity Navigator
February 1, 2006
The people of Kenya , where over 50% of the population already lives in
poverty and where life expectancy is only 47 years,
are now facing a potential famine due to drought.
The government of Kenya estimates that upwards of
3.5 million are at risk from the worsening food crisis.
Despite pleas from international leaders aid money
to the devastated region is slow in coming. The World
Food Program, for example, estimates that it could
run out of food for the Kenyan people by the end
of February if it does not receive new donations.
With domestic news and celebrity gossip dominating the news, concerned donors can easily overlook the burgeoning crisis. Donating to a U.S.-based charity responding to this humanitarian crisis is one way you can make a difference in the lives of the starving people in Kenya .
Many of the charities working to alleviate the suffering of the starving people of Kenya are rated highly by Charity Navigator. Highly rated charities are those that have demonstrated exceptional financial management, outperforming most of their peers in their efforts to allocate and grow their finances in the most fiscally responsible way possible. The table below highlights the work of 4-star and 3-star charities with people affected by the famine in Kenya . Donors can be confident that contributions made to any of the following charities will be spent efficiently. These charities have low overhead and fundraising costs enabling them to use more of their resources in carrying out their missions.
| Charities Responding to Kenyan Food Crisis | |
| Charity | Program Highlights |
| Concern Worldwide US | In response to the emergency food security problem, Concern has been working in the drought affected districts of Marshibit and Malindi conducting food distributions and providing improved seed variety to farmers. |
| CARE | CARE is transporting water in large tanks to the most vulnerable communities in the Garissa district. CARE expects to provide water to three out of the 10 neediest communities in Garissa, reaching over 9,000 people. |
| World Vision | World Vision Kenya is the lead agency distributing food in Turkana, Taita Taveta and Kilifi districts. It partners with the African Medical Research Foundation in the Makueni district. |
| African Medical and Research Foundation | AMREF's activities fall in all of the drought-afflicted areas. The foundation is partnering with other key players like World Vision in Makueni district, and the current Emergency Operation is reaching 1,139,159 people in the 17 districts. |
| Friends of the World Food Program | The World Food Program is moving all existing stocks to the north and east, where the situation is worst, but stocks are low and insufficient for February distributions. |
| Action Against Hunger-USA | Action Against Hunger is currently opening a new feeding center in the northwest and will be working with the local community to distribute water, rehabilitate wells, and improve sanitation for about 54,000 people. |
| Christian Children's Fund | Christian Children's Fund is assisting families in drought stricken areas of Kenya with provision of water, food and essential items, including clothing, jerry cans and utensils. |
