The nation of Kenya went through a dark time in the months of April and May as severe flooding affected 33 out of 47 counties, resulting in the displacement of almost 400,000 people, including women and children. Sadly, hundreds were killed, and scores more were injured as the Nairobi and Athi rivers burst their bunks, sweeping away everything that stood in their path. Months later, those who had survived the deluge had a steep upward task of rebuilding from scratch, and the slum areas were hardest hit.

Through a generous donation from Barnabas Aid, African Enterprise Kenya provided food packs to families in Kibera, Korogocho, Mathare, Soweto, and Kayole slums affected by the devastating floods. The food packs issued to 1,003 households contained essential items such as 5kg Maize flour, 2kg beans, 2 liters of cooking oil, and one piece of bar soap. The AE Kenya team reached 2,816 with the gospel, and 98 gave their lives to the Lord. The food package went a long way in putting a smile on the faces of the victims who felt loved and cared for.

“Honestly, that night is a blur. I remember a deafening roar that I couldn’t explain. I thought something large was falling outside, and then we heard people screaming and shouting. That completely woke us up. When we went outside, the rain was pouring heavily, and we could see the houses below us being swept away by the river. We barely had time to grab our children and evacuate before the river reached our house. As we moved uphill to safety, we watched in disbelief as our home disappeared with the raging river. We had to find shelter against the rain while avoiding the rising water.” Faith Keta, Mathare resident.

We barely had time to grab our children and evacuate before the river reached our house. As we moved uphill to safety, we watched in disbelief as our home disappeared with the raging river.

Faith Keta and her family had lived in the Mathare Area 1 since 2019. Life had never been easy for them, but the floods presented a new hardship. Her biggest challenge was caring for their four children together with her husband. Like many others, she said they were sheltered at a nearby Primary School for a few weeks when an organization arrived and provided each family with Kes 10,000 to help them rebuild their lives.

“That gave us hope in that difficult time. We found a two-room house for Kes 4,000 per month in rent and had to pay a deposit of the same amount. That left us with only Kes 2,000 for essential household items. For the first week, we slept on nylon sacks on the floor and used them as blankets. It was the best we could do. Finding work was extremely difficult for my husband, a casual laborer. That’s how he came to work as a sex worker in upscale neighborhoods to provide for us. He told me about it before he started, and I supported him because job opportunities were scarce then. Even with that, we still struggled to put food on the table”. She said.

Most of the flood victims expressed gratitude for the food packs they received, stating that they would last them for a couple of days.

“The food I have received has given me hope. I won’t have to worry about what to eat for the next few weeks. I’m grateful to the church and African Enterprise Kenya for remembering us and feeding those of us who are still rebuilding.” Teresia Njeri Maina.

When the floods came, Teresia Njeri was asleep, she says if it weren’t for her neighbors, she could have been among the victims. The neighbors banged on her door, shouting, ‘Do you want to die?’, waking her up and in the confusion, she stepped into the freezing cold water and realized the danger. Njeri then rushed out, carrying an umbrella and shawl. By the time she reached the uphill road, the river had swept her house.