We have all seen the heart renching images being broadcast out of Somalia and the borders of Kenya. In light of the devastating famine affecting these helpless people, BCT is actively working with and supporting our partners on the ground in East Africa. We are desperately trying to help alleviate the terrible crisis these poor people are facing. The landscape is withered and desperate for water. The people wait anxiously for each day to come, hoping the next will provide food and water. Our team of selfless volunteers have worked hard to bring us the following powerful updates from the drought affected refugee camps, together with links to reports on activities carried out so far.

"The area is dry and constantly suffers shortages of water. The only available water is that from a tanker that the government from towns supply, the only problem is the local individuals have to pay to fuel the tanker, those who cannot pay are not supplied from the tankers. In these cases affording neighbours would then share with their poor neighbours. People tend to keep cows and goats. However, these are now also starving and dying due to a lack of grazing grass and leaves, consequent to the prolonged drought. These animals are now being sold at a fraction of their price, usually sold at 1200-1500 Kshs now only 200-300 Kshs. A local person informed me that a friend of his was so desperate, he had to sell a prized goat of a select breed for a price not even enough to get a can of maize, which wouldn't have lasted him and his family three days anyway"

"A recent survey to try and determine the number of needy revealed 60% (147,485) of the population in the Lagdera district going hungry and in need of food. 103,240 are categorized as most in need. The rest could rely on a few wealthy relatives in the neighbourhood or living elsewhere in Kenya."

"Food here is extremely scarce. Women can be seen here on the bus routes, begging for food handouts thrown out of the busses by passengers. Children are being provided with food by aid agencies in school so they can continue with education. Parents and other household adults tell the children to save what they food they are given and share it out when they are home. Food is distributed by an aid agencies list, generated sometime ago. Peoples dignity is compromised, everyone involved once lived respectable lives, now they are forced to beg and depend on handouts of food and water."

As is evident from the reports, the situation is desperate with children dying of starvation and malnutrition on a daily basis. Everyone involved in this project understand the risk at stake if these people do not get help. We urge you to dig deep and give generously. We realise many of you have just donated generously to the "Pass The Parcel" campaign but it is precisely due to the spirit of generosity exemplified by our donors that we feel confidant of your on-going support. Please click on one of the up-dates below to see how we have been battling the famine that has spread across East Africa.

BCT's effort's fighting the food crisis in Samburu

BCT's efforts battling the famine in Kitise, Eastern Province

BCT's continued support in providing food for the Baringo County