Bread and Water for Africa | Update - Political Unrest in Kenya

10 Years of Good Works

Update - Political Unrest in Kenya

Baraka Farm Manager Jos Creemers says that one of the immediate effects of the violence throughout Kenya has been an increase in the cost of food.
April 15, 2008
Update from Kenya: During the political crisis that plagued Kenya this past winter, Bread and Water for Africa was in constant contact with the staff of the Lewa Children's Home, Kip Keino School, and Baraka Farm.

As you may be aware, current President Mwai Kibaki agreed to shair power with opposition leader Raila Odinga. The violence that scarred Kenya is thankfully over, but the effects of this sad chapter in Kenya's history remain.

Baraka Farm Manager Jos Creemers says that one of the immediate effects of the violence has been an increase in the cost of food: a litre of raw milk costs roughly between 30 to 40 Kenyan shillings (that's about 24p to 33p) and vegetable prices are three to five times more expensive than they were before the violence.

Good fertilizer, so important for the survival and success of a farm, has also increased. While some farms in the area are using poorer quality fertilizer, Jos is using a fertilizer produced by a mining company in Kenya, which while slightly more expensive than the other leading competitors, is much better for Kenyan soil. This means a more productive farm and more food and revenue for the farm, school, and children!

Children from the Lewa Children's Home enjoy fresh milk made at Baraka Farm.
Jos also reports that despite the recent violence, the economy is growing at 3-5% a year and investors are still willing to come to Kenya. More importantly, the care of the children at the Kip Keino School and Lewa Children's continues, and the Baraka Farm continues to grow and prosper!

Bread and Water for Africa will continue to keep you updated on the progress of peace and reconciliation in Kenya. Please continue to remember the children and staff of the home, school, and farm, and all of Kenya and your thoughts and prayers.