IAFR Kakuma

Field notes, stories, perspectives and updates related to our ministry in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Sheltered

October 19, 2021

A child in the doorway of her previous shelter

IAFR and our financial partners have been building durable shelters for exceptionally vulnterable people in Turkana West IDP Camp, just outside of the town of Kakuma, Kenya. The "camp" has become a permanent settlement since the majority of the internally displaced people (IDP) arrived in early 2008 following widespread post election violence in the country.

Martha outside of her new shelter

We are prioritizing shelters for the most vulnerable people in the IDP camp - people like Martha (above) who is both elderly and disabled.

Martha outside of her previous shelter

IAFR has provided 153 shelters since we began our "Shelter for Refugees" project. During our October 2021 visit to Kakuma, we were told that there is a need for only 23 more shelters.

We visited several of the 2021 recipients of new shelters during our 10/2021 visit to the camp. Every one of them shared how thankful they are to now sleep in a space that doesn't leak when it rains.

Inside Veronica's new shelter

It has been encouraging to see how much healthier and engaged the people here are since the shelters have been built. We're thankful that God also answered their prayers for a source of clean water in the IDP camp in 2021. These developments are improving their physical and emotional health, helping them recover from displacement and begin to rebuild their lives.

Simon outside of his new shelter

They still face overwhelming challenges. But little by little, their lot is improving. Everyone we spoke with mentioned how thankful they are to God for these provisions.

Richard and his family outside their new shelter

We were told that there is a need for only 23 more shelters to be built in the IDP camp. A $1,000 donation to the Shelter for Refugees project will provide someone with a new shelter. Click here to learn more about this project.

- Tom Albinson

Return to the Kakuma Blog

About IAFR in Kakuma

IAFR has been serving people in Kakuma refugee camp since 2010. 250,000 people (mostly women and children) have found temporary refuge here from war, persecution and gross violations of human rights.

We visit Kakuma 2 times annually, during which time this blog is most active.

Visit the Kakuma page on the IAFR.org website to learn more!

Our Partners

We partner with United Refugee and Host Churches (URHC) - a refugee initiated association of over 160 churches from within the camp and surrounding host community.

Questions or Comments?
Email Us

All content of this IAFR Kenya blog Copyright © 2023 International Association for Refugees. All rights reserved.

IAFR | 1400 Van Buren St. NE, Suite 200-244| Minneapolis, MN 55413 | info@iafr.org | 612.200.0321

Copyright © 2023 International Association for Refugees. All rights reserved.