The marginalization of the North Eastern region of Kenya has over the years brought up many challenges for the host community. As a result, lots of clashes particularly relating to the competition for resources and basic commodities have ensued. Peace has been hard to attain in the area owing lack of social wellbeing of residents in the area. The introduction and influx of refugees from neighboring Somalia only brought about more reason to be concerned.
RRDO along with sponsors, partners and other operatives in the region recognized and have been acting upon the need to step in and avoid further disagreements. Our major objective as an organization is circled around improving the social wellbeing of the area through our programmes.
Water, food and health services
Equal access and delivery of these needs in a manner that fosters reliability and sustainability will enable different communities to coexist peacefully and plan further advancement. Through the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) program, RRDO has improved accessibility to water through the digging of boreholes and delivering the water through water kiosks, and water troughs in for livestock. The water projects are well spread throughout our area of operation to reduce competition. Through the success of the different water projects, sanitation and hygiene have also improved, playing a key role in reducing basic health problems.
Under our Livelihood programmes, the introduction of farming as an alternative means of living has significantly bettered food security for the affected communities. RRDO along with partners established greenhouses that are run by locals for food consumption and sale. The projects have been successful thus far, and have especially been given a boost by the success in our WASH and Environment program activities.
The main challenge the area faced with regards to health has been shortage of facilities and staff. Many qualified medical practitioners have resisted the previously poor working conditions, mainly due to lack of proper infrastructures and equipment. Through the help of partners has been tackling the health challenge in the areas through medical camps and supply of pharmaceuticals. The construction of a fully equipped Maleyley Health Centre, with staff quarters was implemented by RRDO, through UNHCR, and has been a major boost in giving the beneficiaries a clean bill of health.
Successful implementation of these programmes ensures survival and life with dignity for the beneficiaries, bringing a sense of calm and ease to the ever present tension.
Social reconstruction
Less competition for resources and basic needs means less tension within the community. By enhancing the availability and distribution of these needs, RRDO with aid from partners are playing a major role in restoring the social wellbeing of the community. Introduction of farming in our livelihood has also brought about trade between communities. Schools and health posts are community institutions that bind society across divisions. The Dadaab town hall will serve as a community conference /meeting facility. It has a capacity of 70 people and is also equipped with a speech desk and seats. The facility is also connected with power and is ready for utilization. This facility will be a platform for the community to have constructive discussions on how to improve the social wellbeing of the area, as well as tackle any disagreements through dialogue.
End state
Peace cannot be sustained over the long term without addressing the social well-being of a population. Without basic necessities such as food or shelter, large-scale social instability will persist because people will be unable to resume the functions of normal life—sustaining a livelihood, traveling safely, engaging in community activities, or attending school. Without the devoted efforts of RRDO, our partners and other operatives in the area, the local communities here would struggle to find peaceful means of resolving disputes and the chance to rebuild their lives.
