Rapid Response Fund, Kenya

Project profile

Dekha’s story

In the early Nineties, fighting was spilling over from Somalia into the Wajir district of Northern Kenya. Dismayed at the rising violence, Dekha and other local women decided that, at the very least, the market should be safe for people of any clan. Dekha and her team established ground rules for the market, bravely monitored them and were on hand to intervene in conflict. Dekha started to involve clan elders, putting them at the forefront of discussions about wider conflicts and eventually, after 1,500 deaths, the violence was brought to an end.

In 2007 presidential elections led to widespread unrest, denting the country’s reputation for stability. A power-sharing government is now in place.

Violence doesn’t get put on hold while someone processes funding for peacebuilding. Conflict can escalate very quickly so speed is everything in sharing information and acting quickly.

What the RRF has done

Money entrusted to local peacebuilders gives them vital funds in position, on the ground, so they can react immediately to conflict flashpoints.

  • Facilitated a ceasefire in Nakuru district, allowing the road to the main market to reopen and giving thousands of people access to food again. Three local peace committees were created in villages to manage future conflicts.
  • In March 2007, 300 houses were burnt and four people killed in a conflict in Tana River district. The Kenya Rapid Response Fund deployed a respected and experienced elder to help diffuse the tension between farmers and pastoralists. Although a difficult negotiation, the fund initiated a long-term consultative meeting to agree on land and water use in Tana River.
  • In January 2008, violent clan clashes followed the disputed election – 1,500 people were killed and 600,000 forced to flee their homes. As riots broke out, the Rapid Response Fund gathered together a hugely influential group of trusted public figures and their forums up and down the country gave ordinary Kenyans a voice, providing Kofi Annan with crucial grassroots information.