International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been actively working in Kenya since 1992, providing critical humanitarian aid and development programs to both refugees and vulnerable Kenyan communities. Their efforts are focused on addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, displacement, poverty, and limited access to essential services.

🌍 IRC’s Presence in Kenya

• Established: 1992

• Population Served: Over 570,000 individuals reached in 2023

• Operational Areas: Turkana, Samburu, Lamu, West Pokot, Kajiado, Garissa, and Nairobi counties

🚨 Humanitarian Challenges

Kenya faces a convergence of crises, including:

• Climate Shocks: The country has endured four consecutive failed rainy seasons, leading to the worst drought in 40 years, followed by El Niño-induced flooding. These events have severely disrupted livelihoods and displaced communities.

• Food Insecurity: Approximately 1.9 million people are experiencing food insecurity, with over 800,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition.

• Public Health Risks: Limited access to clean water and sanitation has increased the spread of communicable diseases like cholera.

• Refugee Strain: Hosting over 774,000 refugees and asylum seekers, Kenya’s resources are stretched thin, impacting both refugee and host communities.

🛠️ Key IRC Programs in Kenya

1. Health and Nutrition: In partnership with the Ministry of Health and UNHCR, the IRC provides integrated primary healthcare, reproductive health services, and nutritional support, particularly in refugee camps like Kakuma and Dadaab.

2. Education Initiatives: The “TeachWell” program, launched in collaboration with the LEGO and Grundfos Foundations, aims to enhance learning environments in refugee and host communities by promoting child-centric teaching methods and improving water and sanitation facilities in schools.

3. Economic Empowerment: Programs like BILLY (Building Income and Leveraging Livelihoods for Youth) have been implemented to support youth entrepreneurship through business grants and training, fostering economic independence among vulnerable populations. Front page – US

4. Protection and Inclusion: The IRC works to safeguard women, children, and persons with disabilities from abuse and exploitation, providing psychosocial support and advocating for inclusive policies.

5. Emergency Response: In anticipation of climate-induced disasters, the IRC has ramped up early action plans to mitigate the impacts of events like El Niño, focusing on preventing malnutrition and protecting livelihoods.

🤝 Collaborations and Funding

The IRC collaborates with various stakeholders, including:

• Government Agencies: Partnering with Kenyan ministries to align humanitarian efforts with national policies.

• International Organizations: Working alongside UNHCR and the European Union to enhance service delivery in refugee camps.

• Foundations: Engaging with entities like the LEGO and Grundfos Foundations to support educational and infrastructural projects.

📞 Contact Information

For more details or to get involved:

• Email: ke.rebuild@rescue.org

• Phone: +254 799 342 338