Northen Kenya – Garissa and Turkana Counties are among the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands in Kenya that have been severely affected by the recent prolonged drought season. Over 465,000 people (IOM DTM report 2022-2023) have been displaced by drought. The deplorable condition in the temporary shelters have made displaced families susceptible to diseases such as cholera, malaria, and tubercules. In addition, the protracted displacement of drought affected communities which further exposed women and girls to the risk of sexual violence, exploitation, and abuse.

To cushion the families, especially women and girls, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) jointly designed a humanitarian response that reached 10,680 people in Turkana and Garissa counties with hygiene and dignity kits. With the kits, the most vulnerable households were able to receive hygiene kits which have reduced the risk of water-borne diseases, and improved the hygiene needs while in temporary settlements, especially among women and girls who were cushioned from menstrual poverty. Moreover, essential necessities for new mothers including postnatal pads, baby diapers, baby clothing, and blankets were distributed.

"Thanks to the hygiene kits I received, I now have access to safe and clean water, jerry cans to store it in, and water treatment tablets for use at home," says Jasmin Lopua, a 20-year-old new mother in Turkana.

As a preventive measure against diseases, IOM is working with partners to disseminate information on how to use water treatment tablets, cleaning water storage containers, hand washing during emergencies, food hygiene, and proper sanitation facility use. IOM and UNFPA will continue to work together to raise awareness on health and hygiene promotion, especially for women and girls in temporary settlements in Kenya.

This initiative was supported with funding from the People of Japan and United nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF).