A Season of Challenge 

Between April and May 2024, Kenya faced unusually heavy rains during its rainy season, triggering severe floods that devastated 43 of the country’s 47 counties. This disaster took a toll on families and communities across Kenya, leading to 315 reported deaths, 290,000 displaced individuals, and more than half a million affected by the floods. Recognizing the urgent need for aid, CADIS Kenya, in collaboration with the Tzu Chi Foundation, stepped in with a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation program designed to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. 

Building Partnerships for Recovery 

On June 24, 2024, CADIS Kenya and Tzu Chi Foundation formalized a partnership to deliver flood relief across some of the worst-hit areas. These efforts focused on three regions: the sprawling informal settlements of Mathare and Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi, as well as Baringo County, where rural communities faced extensive damage. Through this partnership, CADIS and Tzu Chi aim to provide holistic support that includes food, household necessities, medical care, housing reconstruction, and agricultural training. 

Aiding Recovery in Mathare 

In Mathare, an urban area home to thousands, the impact of the floods left many struggling with food shortages, housing insecurity, and loss of livelihood. In response, CADIS Kenya and Tzu Chi organized multiple relief distributions, providing food staples such as rice, beans, maize flour, cooking oil, and sugar. Two major food distribution events were held on June 28 and July 10, supporting 182 households. For the remaining 18 households, food packages were distributed through local community offices. 

LEFT: During the distribution, a nun read aloud letters from Master Cheng Yen and CADIS Kenya representatives. She also invited beneficiaries to pray for Master Cheng Yen and all Tzu Chi volunteers. RIGHT: Before the distribution concluded, several survivors expressed their gratitude to Tzu Chi, Master Cheng Yen, and CADIS Kenya for their support. | Photos courtesy of CADIS Kenya | Kenya | 2024/06/28 

In addition to food, each family received 10,000 Kenyan shillings (approx. 78 USD) via mobile transfers as a direct cash grant to meet their unique needs. During the distribution, local nuns assisted in transferring funds and guiding recipients through the process, ensuring every household had immediate access to the support they needed. As the ceremony concluded, many beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi for the assistance that gave them hope and strength to rebuild their lives. 

The aid continued with distributions of mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits in August, alongside additional cash support of 5,000 Kenyan shillings (approx. 39 USD). As the program progressed, children from 300 families received custom-fitted school uniforms, notebooks, and stationery, giving them the resources to continue their education amid difficult circumstances. 

Medical Aid for Mukuru Kwa Njenga 

On August 3, 2024, a free health screening was held in Mukuru Kwa Njenga. | Photo courtesy of CADIS Kenya | Kenya | 2024/08/03 

Mukuru Kwa Njenga, another impoverished area in Nairobi, also faced extreme challenges following the floods. CADIS and Tzu Chi organized a free medical camp on August 3, providing health screenings for 644 individuals. Patients were examined for general health, weight, blood pressure, and received specialized ophthalmology assessments. Among those screened, 200 patients with serious health issues were selected for ongoing medical support, with services including lab testing, imaging, consultations, and medication, provided at Mukuru Health Center through September. 

On August 26, 200 beneficiary families received distributions of food and hygiene kits. | Photo courtesy of CADIS Kenya | Kenya | 2024/08/26 

 Weekly evaluation meetings among the healthcare teams ensured that every patient received timely, quality care. As the relief efforts progressed, an additional 20 children were chosen for support, extending the medical care to those most vulnerable within the community. On August 26, further distributions of food and hygiene kits helped 200 families navigate the challenges of recovery. 

Relief for Baringo County’s Rural Communities 

In rural Baringo County, CADIS Kenya and Tzu Chi extended their efforts to families in some of the most isolated and severely impacted areas. Communities in Eldume camp, Salabani, and Ngambo were hit hardest by the floods, facing limited access to resources and heightened vulnerability. On July 18, CADIS Kenya and Tzu Chi conducted food distributions, followed by non-food supplies on July 30 through August 1. These relief efforts reached 500 families across the three locations, bringing essentials such as rice, beans, maize flour, cooking oil, mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits. 

A food distribution was held on July 18, followed by non-food items from July 30 to August 1, to three areas in Baringo: Eldume camp, Salabani, and Ngambo. Despite weather challenges, beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the love and care of global volunteers. | Photo courtesy of CADIS Kenya | Kenya | 2024 
The distributed supplies included mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, and hygiene items. | Photo courtesy of CADIS Kenya | Kenya | 2024 

For the children in Baringo, the organizations arranged the distribution of school uniforms from September 12 to 30. Uniforms were provided to 850 children across Eldume, Salabani, and Ngambo, allowing them to return to school with dignity and a renewed sense of normalcy. Additionally, housing reconstruction was initiated for 50 families, chosen with the support of the local community. This initiative brought volunteers and residents together, rebuilding homes for families that had lost everything. 

Empowering Agricultural Revival 

On July 30, 2024, following discussions with the disaster-affected community, 50 families were selected for housing support. | Photo courtesy of CADIS Kenya | Kenya | 2024/07/30 


The relief efforts also included a sustainable agricultural program to help families regain self-sufficiency. Local leaders selected 200 families based on their agricultural experience and enthusiasm for farming. These families were provided seeds, tools, and support for land preparation, and two 10-hectare plots were allocated in Salabani for community farming. In Eldume, 100 families continued farming their previous plots, where the risk of future flooding was minimal. Each family received 10,000 Kenyan shillings (approx. 78 USD) to support them through the three-month period before their first harvest. 


In October, a training program for 20 local farmers, selected by the community, focused on sustainable agricultural practices. Led by an agronomist, the training covered soil preparation, pest management, and post-harvest techniques, equipping these farmers with the knowledge to optimize yields and establish resilience. This group will pass their new skills on to others, building a foundation for sustainable farming practices throughout Baringo. 

A Path to Greater Resilience 

The concerted efforts of CADIS Kenya and Tzu Chi have illuminated a path of hope and resilience for flood survivors in Kenya. As the relief and recovery programs conclude, these communities are not only recovering but are rebuilding with improved infrastructure, resources, and skills. Training on financial management and market access on October 29 to 30, will also ensure that the affected families are well-prepared to rebuild their lives with newfound strength and self-sufficiency.