Beyond Zero delivers aid to flood victims in Mathare
By K24 Editorial, May 16, 2024Beyond Zero, an initiative started by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has donated essential items to victims of the recent heavy rains and floods in Mathare, Nairobi County.
Members of the initiative delivered the aid at the Mathare Social Justice Centre which saw flood victims receive mattresses, blankets, and sanitary towels.
In a statement, the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya said the donation goes beyond the mere provision of physical items; it represents a beacon of hope and solidarity.
“The Beyond Zero Initiative once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid by donating essential items to victims of the recent heavy rains and floods in Mathare, Nairobi County. The heavy rains that pounded most parts of the country in the past few weeks resulted in severe flooding, particularly in low-lying areas like Mathare,” the statement read in part.
“Besides loss of lives, the floods caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, displacing many residents and leaving them in urgent need of basic necessities. In response to this crisis, the Beyond Zero Initiative mobilized resources to support the flood victims.”
Beyond Zero representatives
Representatives from Beyond Zero have called on people of goodwill to engage in swift humanitarian response in times of natural disasters.
“We are here to offer our support to the residents of Mathare who have been severely impacted by the floods. It is our duty to ensure that they receive the basic items needed to restore some normalcy to their lives,” said Beatrice Koki, a representative from Beyond Zero.
Volunteers from the Mathare Social Justice Centre, known for its advocacy and community support activities, assisted in the distribution process, ensuring that the donated items reached the most vulnerable members of the community.
“We lost almost everything in the floods. These mattresses and blankets will help us a lot as we try to rebuild our lives,” said Rose Kombo, a Mathare resident.
Another recipient, Emily Nyanjong, emphasized the importance of sanitary towels, noting that such items are often overlooked in disaster relief but are crucial for maintaining dignity and health.
“By addressing immediate needs, the initiative helps mitigate the impact of the disaster, allowing the community to focus on long-term recovery and resilience building. The former First Lady’s initiative has consistently been at the forefront of addressing various health and social challenges in Kenya,” the statement added.
At least 291 people have lost their lives to floods while 75 are still missing.
The ongoing floods have displaced 55,631 households, affecting approximately 278,155 individuals. Another 82,552 households, comprising about 412,763 persons, have been directly impacted.