CFGB Food Relief

A Somali mother and son receiving food aid 

in Mandera West, Kenya

This past week, Aaron had the opportunity to join the Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB) on a monitoring visit with ADRA Kenya (Adventist Relief) who are implementing a relief project in the the North Eastern corner of Kenya near the Somali and Ethiopian border. The affects of last year’s famine are still bearing a heavy toll on communities throughout Kenyan’s Northeastern Province. In Mandera, traditional herdsmen have lost nearly all of their livestock. A lack of access to water makes it all but impossible to grow crops, and the people of the region have become dependent on food relief brought into the region. 

It was encouraging to see how the local government is cooperating with organizations like ADRA, providing security and assisting in the mobilization of the scattered clan leaders and households. Security is a great concern as the struggle to survive in such a harsh area has spilled into clan divisions and conflicts. Two weeks ago, an armed conflict in Mandera town broken out among rival clan members and in the upset homes were burned near the ADRA food storage facilities. “This community needs hope!” shared one member of our group. 

Please remember the people of Kenya in your prayers, especially the communities living within the vast semi-arid lands of the North and Northeast. The people of these communities are praying for rain. Water is so basic to life. Also remember the ADRA team, Patrick and Dorcus, as they walk with this community through such a difficult time.