CRS Realizes Partnership with Kenya-based Bank for Nairobi Flood Victims as “commitment” to Fostering Human Dignity

Beneficiaries of November 15 event were also taken through strategies to manage their finances including saving modes and investments as well as the important place of mental health care in the process of recovery.

The event in which representatives of Caritas Nairobi participated had a tree planting session; there was also input on how to manage waste, with a focus on turning waste into profitable business.

In her presentation, Ms. Posey lauded the latest CRS partnership with the Standard Chartered Bank Kenya as a reflection of “our shared commitment to not only address immediate basic needs but also to foster long-term stability and empowerment of communities.”

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sideline of the November 15 initiative that was dubbed “Flood Relief Response” in favour of vulnerable households, the CRS Head of Programs looked back at how the beneficiaries were identified. 

“When we visited the Mathare Vocational Training Centre (VTC), we witnessed the full impact of the floods,” Robert Mgeni said.

The CRS official recognized with appreciation the positive response from the Standard Chartered Bank Kenya that sought to continue the partnership that he said started in 2022.

Officials of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, Robert told ACI Africa, “have consistently supported our emergency response efforts, and when we approached them, they agreed to provide resources to support the communities.”

The Tanzania-born CRS official said that the November 15 intervention event aligns with the “Pathway to Prosperity” approach of CRS, which he said focuses on facilitating recovery and sustainable livelihoods.

“The floods devastated these communities, leaving them with nothing. We are working to help them rebuild and guide them toward recovery and prosperity,” Robert said about the people of God in Mathare slum and Embakasi, served by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN).

He attributed the Nairobi floods to climate change, and added, “Four consecutive failed rainy seasons were followed by heavy floods.” 

CRS prioritizes climate change adaptation and collaborates with the county government and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to explore sustainable solutions, Robert told ACI Africa, adding, “Some long-term measures will take time, but short-term actions are already being implemented to alleviate the current situation.”

On mitigation efforts, he said that “communities can create pathways for water to flow to lower areas and rivers, reducing flood impact.”

The CRS official went on to thank partners in the realization of the November 15 event, saying, “They have consistently trusted us during emergencies, and we are proud to collaborate with them.”

Meanwhile, in separate interviews with ACI Africa, two beneficiaries of the November 15 partnership recalled their experiences during the floods and expressed gratitude to those behind the donations. 

Kevin Abidha, a plumbing student at Mathare Vocational Training Institute, recounted, “It started raining heavily one night around 9 p.m. At first, we thought it was a small amount of water entering the house, but it quickly became flooded.”

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Mr. Abidha and his friend sought refuge in a nearby school, leaving everything behind. The floods destroyed all their belongings, and they had to start life afresh. 

Through the CRS and Standard Chartered Bank Kenya partnership, Abidha said he has gained financial management skills.

“I have learned valuable lessons about saving and using money wisely. As a plumber, I plan to allocate part of my income to savings and investments,” he said, and called upon the Kenyan government to fulfill its promise of planting trees in flood-prone areas to mitigate future disasters.

For Vivian Achero, the floods took an even heavier toll. “I lost everything, including my academic and professional certificates. Life became unbearable for me and my two children,” she told ACI Africa.

Vivian recalled camping at a school during the floods, relying on assistance from well-wishers.

She enrolled for the CRS program after hearing about it from a friend. With a background in hairdressing, she has been using skills from the partnership to manage her earnings better. 

“I have learned about saving, investment, and budgeting. This knowledge will help me rebuild my life and provide for my children,” Vivian told ACI Africa on November 15. 

She thanked CRS and other partners, saying, “They have done an incredible job. I am grateful for their support and pray for blessings upon them.”