Rebuilding Hope: How Nairobi City County and Redeemed Evangelistic Church Helped a Widow Rise from the Floods

Nairobi: 19th October 2024

The Nairobi City County's Social Services sub sector, in partnership with the Redeemed Evangelistic Church in Huruma, has been actively involved in supporting vulnerable individuals affected by various social and environmental challenges. A notable case of this collaboration is the reintegration of 70 year old grandmother Patricia Apiyo Oloo, a widow who faced significant hardship after her house was demolished due to its construction on riparian land in Mathare, Ruaraka Sub County, a zone prone to environmental risks such as flooding.

Deputy Director Family Welfare Fredrick Ogutu said "This would not have been possible without the intervention of our Social Worker Naliaka Wekesa who visited Grandma Patricia and rescued her with the help of Bishop Mathew Monde, who has provided transport facilitation to ensure that she is travels to Siaya County her rural home settles and reintegrated into the community. The Church also committed to build a house for her.

Patricia's home was destroyed after severe flooding displaced her and other residents in the Mathare area, leaving her without a stable place to live. This displacement, coupled with the fact that her home was built on riparian land, land adjacent to the river or other bodies of water where construction is restricted, put her in a vulnerable position both legally and environmentally.
The Nairobi City County Social Services subsector, recognizing the plight of individuals like Patricia, stepped in to provide essential support. This effort was made possible through its ongoing partnership with the Redeemed Evangelistic Church, which has been working on community-based outreach programs in Huruma and Mathare. Together, they facilitated the reintegration of Patricia by providing not only material aid but also psychosocial support, counseling, and guidance to help her regain stability in her life.

The church played a pivotal role in offering immediate relief, including temporary shelter, food, and spiritual counseling, helping Patricia cope with the emotional and mental stress caused by the loss of her home and displacement. On the other hand, the County's Social Services subsector helped navigate the bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring Patricia could access government assistance programs for displaced individuals, including potential relocation opportunities and housing alternatives that comply with land use regulations.

This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between faith-based organizations and local government can create a more effective safety net for vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters and regulatory issues, such as Patricia's case, while also promoting adherence to environmental protection laws. Through their combined efforts, they are fostering a more inclusive community, where even the most marginalized individuals can find a path toward recovery and reintegration into society.

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