As our 2019 Kenya Works annual report was going to print, Vicodec, a Kenya Works partner organization, suffered a significant fire on March 11, 2020. While insurance, police and staff are investigating and compiling a significant inventory of loss, we are happy to report that no one was injured. The building housed numerous administrative offices, vocational training area, preschool classrooms as well as the Kenyan office of Kenya Works. We are still waiting to hear the extent of insurance coverage but have no doubt, there will be a gap in needed support to rebuild the walls as well as the inventory inside. Along with the rest of the world, Kenya is being impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In a country where infrastructure is already compromised, there is grave concern for the health and well-being of all Kenyan citizens. Ongata Rongai, the city where our Kenya-based office is located, is currently ground zero for COVID-19. As of March 17, schools throughout Kenya closed and the cities are on lockdown. In Ongata Rongai, as in other towns and cities, the outdoor markets are where much of the community’s food is sold and where residents sell their wares; these are also closed. We know this will cause a ripple of hardship throughout Kenya and we’re doing our best to adapt to the changing situation. Right now, Kenya Works is strategizing on how to meet the needs of our school-based feeding programs and Miale Ya Tumaini, our rescue center. We do believe there will be a large influx of need for students, as well as hungry family members, and we will work hard to fill the gaps, as they’re sure to widen. While the worry and heartbreak are very real, so is our commitment to remaining nimble and resourceful during these unprecedented times. Our team is unshakable and dedicated to staying the course. Please consider giving to Kenya Works so we can continue to support our communities amid so much uncertainty.
Sincerely,
Julie Schaller-Schmidt
Executive Director