Imagine being forced out of your home after your humble dwelling is swept away by floods in the dead of night. After seeking affordable alternative accommodation, the government evicts you, destroying what remains of your possessions without adequate notice. You are left homeless in the cold under heavy rains. This is the reality for some of the 55,776 families in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Sign the petition now and demand the restoration of dignity for Nairobi’s flood victims.
What’s the Problem
The recent flash floods have left thousands of Kenyans homeless, with many houses destroyed by the unforgiving waters. To make matters worse, the government chose to evict residents living on riparian land in Nairobi’s informal settlements under the guise of evacuation. A mere 48-hour notice was given, which was grossly insufficient. Residents watched in despair as what little they had left was deliberately destroyed by a government that should have protected them in their most vulnerable moments. This incident was not isolated; a similar trend was observed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The promise to support families with KES 10,000 was inadequate, and allegations of non-victims benefiting from these funds raise serious concerns. Some key issues raised by the community include:
- Flood victims face significant challenges in replacing their identity documents, as they are charged for replacements despite their economic vulnerability.
- Relief support was distributed unevenly, with some legitimate victims not receiving any aid.
- Ongoing demolitions cause anxiety and sleepless nights, with no clear end in sight.
- The discrimination in recent demolitions indicates that only residents of informal settlements have been targeted during this vulnerable time, while some buildings in the same areas have been left untouched.
- The government appears indifferent to the already shattered livelihoods of these people.
- The relief food distributed is allegedly substandard, raising health concerns among residents.
What can you do to help?
Sign the petition now and demand:
- The government and all agencies involved in the distribution of food and other supplies should ensure that their deliveries are fit for human consumption to address public health concerns.
- That the government offers immediate relocation sites and houses to the flood victims on a priority basis.
- That the government desists from discriminating against the people in informal settlements and treats them with humanity and dignity.
- The government must take urgent measures to re-issue identification documents.