Kenya Red Cross Emergency Operator Antony Muchiri told Channel Africa on Friday that most arrivals were women, children and young people, while the number of people entering Marsabit County continued to rise. “We’ve so far had about 8 753 people, and the numbers are continuing to stream in,” Muchiri said.
Some displaced people are staying with relatives or local residents, while others have sought shelter in schools, churches, mosques and public spaces.
Local authorities have asked people sleeping on the streets to move to designated evacuation centres.
Muchiri said the initial response would target 1 000 households, with water, sanitation and emergency shelter among the most urgent priorities.
Families will receive tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen utensils, water containers and soap.
The organisation has also dispatched one tonne of fortified cereal for young children, while food assistance is being coordinated with government authorities. “The biggest priority for the initial 1 000 families is water and sanitation,” Muchiri said.
Host communities have welcomed displaced families, but continued insecurity and disruption to cross-border trade could place increasing pressure on food supplies and household resources. “People have welcomed them with open arms because these are people who had to flee in panic,” Muchiri said.
Muchiri warned that host families could begin experiencing shortages if movement across the border remained disrupted.
Health services are another priority. The Kenya Red Cross plans to provide primary healthcare through outreach teams, including assistance for injured people and patients who fled without medication for existing conditions.
Mental-health and protection services will also be required as humanitarian needs increase.
Although the Kenya Red Cross has not issued a formal appeal, Muchiri said additional support would be needed for water, sanitation, food and healthcare if arrivals continued.
The Marsabit County government has appointed the Kenya Red Cross as lead humanitarian organisation for assessments and coordination. “The county government and security agencies are taking the lead, and the Kenya Red Cross is there to support them,” Muchiri said.
Local authorities are working to determine the number and location of displaced people before expanding assistance.
–ChannelAfrica–
