The Beyond Zero Initiative on Thursday donated essential items to victims of the recent heavy rains and floods in Mathare, Nairobi County.
The event, held at the Mathare Social Justice Centre, saw the distribution of mattresses, blankets, and sanitary towels to affected families, providing much-needed relief to a community struggling to recover from the devastation.
The heavy rains that pounded most parts of the country in the past few weeks resulted in severe flooding, particularly in low-lying areas like Mathare.
Besides loss of lives, the floods caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, displacing many residents and leaving them in urgent need of basic necessities.
In response to this crisis, Beyond Zero- an initiative of former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta- mobilised resources to support the flood victims.
During the donation, representatives from Beyond Zero highlighted the importance of swift humanitarian response in times of natural disasters.
"We are here to offer our support to the residents of Mathare who have been severely impacted by the floods. It is our duty to ensure that they receive the basic items needed to restore some normalcy to their lives," said Beatrice Koki.
The Mathare Social Justice Centre, known for its advocacy and community support activities, served as the venue for the charitable event.
Volunteers from the centre assisted in the distribution process, ensuring that the donated items reached the most vulnerable members of the community.
Residents expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention. "We lost almost everything in the floods. These mattresses and blankets will help us a lot as we try to rebuild our lives," said Rose Kombo, a Mathare resident.
Another recipient, Emily Nyanjong, emphasised the importance of sanitary towels, noting that such items are often overlooked in disaster relief but are crucial for maintaining dignity and health.
Beyond Zero's donation goes beyond the mere provision of physical items; it represents a beacon of hope and solidarity.
By addressing immediate needs, the initiative helps mitigate the impact of the disaster, allowing the community to focus on long-term recovery and resilience building.