Kenya violence

Kenya's long-running political crisis appears to be ending, but tens of thousands of children - displaced by violence - still live with their families in squalid camps, too afraid to return home.

In early April, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki announced a new power-sharing cabinet, seemingly ending the country's lengthy political crisis. But more than 202,000 displaced men, women and children remain living in makeshift camps, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

Violence against children

Large parts of Kenya were gripped by violence following disputed presidential elections in December 2007. Approximately 1,500 people died and hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes.

Young children often bore the brunt of the post-election violence, with many witnessing and experiencing horrific atrocities, attacks and abuse.

"Children in Kenya have seen their own mothers and fathers murdered and their houses burnt. Some have been raped, many beaten up. All are struggling with the trauma of what they have experienced," says Matt Wingate, a Save the Children emergencies specialist.

Although some schools remain open, large numbers of children across the country aren't receiving an education.

Camp conditions mixed

Despite the improved security situation in Kenya, tens of thousands of children are still living in congested, makeshift camps, some without clean water, sanitation or schooling.

Heavy spring rains have caused flooding in some camps. For example, in Eldoret ASK Showground families are being moved to sites away from the worst of the floodwaters.

And healthcare also remains an urgent concern. The government has said it needs additional resources to keep health centres operating effectively in the affected areas. While the Kenya Medical Suppliers Agency is concerned about a possible shortage of drugs.

Cautious hope for peace deal

Commenting on the new power-sharing deal, Save the Children's Kenya emergencies expert David Wightwick says, "While this gives some hope that normality will be re-established and a sustainable solution will be found, the situation remains fragile.

"It's too early to say that the crisis is at an end. Further disagreements are possible as long as underlying causes are unaddressed. The certainty is that thousands of children will remain in need of a high level of assistance for months to come."

What we're doing

Our main objective is to make sure that children are free from harm and can get an education and play with their friends in a safe environment.In the Eldoret ASK Showground, we've set up child protection committees to make sure camp leaders are aware of any issues negatively affecting children. These committees will soon be replicated in other camps.

  • We've trained 173 head teachers and teachers in children's rights, protection and participation. More trainings are planned.
  • We're supplying semi-permanent classrooms, furniture and other school materials to help 900 out-of-school children in Nakuru Showground.
  • Our cash-for-work scheme will fund a total of 1,040 working days when labourers will improve drainage around several camps and make essential items such as school fencing, desks and uniforms.
  • We've distributed 7,000 educational kits, including things like exercise books, pens and pencils to temporary camps, schools and learning areas. We plan to distribute 20,000 more in the near future.
  • We've helped set up safe spaces for children in camps in Nairobi and across the Rift Valley. Children can play and learn while their parents work.
  • We've also provided more than 40 recreational kits with play items to children living in those camps, benefiting more than 6,000 children.
  • We're training local volunteers on methods to protect children. For example, how to identify and register unaccompanied children, so they can be reunited with their parents as soon as possible.

Samuel, 8, comes from the Eldoret/Kimomo area.

Simon's family found refuge in Nakuru town after they got chased out of Eldoret by the fighting. He has received a backpack with some school materials such as books and pencils from Save the Children.

Samuel says: "I would like to be a pilot when I grow up. When I was not going to school, the thing I missed most was maths."

How you can help

Make an online donation to the Children's Emergency Fund now.

We've already used £50,000 from the Fund to help children in Kenya get through this emergency. Your support can help us do even more.