CARE Kenya operations in Elwak, Mandera Central

CARE Kenya initiated operations in El Wak, Mandera Central in response to the 2005/2006 drought. At that time, whole Mandera district suffered due to severe drought that resulted in loss of 70% of district’s livestock, limited operational water sources and high insecurity caused by clan fights, in particular in area of El Wak. CARE Kenya initiated its program by collecting and disposing livestock carcasses, an initiative that is still recognized and appreciated by community members.

Since then, we have been implementing a water, sanitation and hygiene program including the following key activities: rehabilitating boreholes in partnership with water user associations and GoK MoW, rehabilitating wells in partnership with well user associations, supporting community-constructed latrines, constructing school latrines, supporting water resources management with conflict resolution mainstreaming for community-owned water points and promoting hygiene in partnership with GoK MOH.

Two years after CARE began its emergency response in El Wak, the program is in the process of launching a disaster risk reduction program targeting natural resources management, emergency preparedness and planning and livestock-based livelihoods through continued support from ECHO.

CARE Kenya provides assistance to pastoralists in North Eastern Province through access to clean water & sanitation. The region faces moderate drought every 4-5 years & severe drought every 10. It's estimated only 30% of people have access to safe water, to view more photos of CARE's work in El wak district, visit our photo gallery.