Working to relieve poverty among families in N.E. Kenya, helping access the basic essentials of life – FOOD, WATER, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE
The fourth largest of 42 tribes in Kenya, around two million in number, who live mainly in the Eastern Province of Kenya. This region, along with Ethiopia and Somalia, is one of the most arid parts of the world and it’s inhabitants are some of the poorest in Africa.
AAF has been working since 1999 among the Akamba in an area called the Mwingi District. Thanks to the wonderful support we get in the UK, we have been able to make the difference to their lives. However there is so much more to do … (full text Homepage).
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Address: Akamba Aid Fund, Broadshard, Norton sub Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6SJ, UK;
Contact.
About: What is AAF? Akamba Aid Fund is an independent charitable trust based in South Somerset. It was set up in 1999 with the aim of enabling the poorest rural communities in Eastern Kenya to have access to the essentials of life that we take for granted and have done for generations. It was registered with the Charity Commission in 2000 (No. 1083554).
Why Akamba?
Our name is taken from the Akamba tribe, which is the fifth largest of the forty two tribes in Kenya. The Akamba number around two million who inhabit mainly the Eastern Province of the country which is an extremely arid part of the world. The local people are descended from hunter pastoralists, no longer nomadic, but totally reliant on their few goats, cattle, chicken and a little land to provide for their families. Our operations are centred on the Mwingi District which is approx 240 kms. north east of Nairobi. In this region there is virtually no employment and where nearly 60% of the population lives below recognised poverty levels of $1 a day.
What do we do?
Although initially supplying food parcels during periods of drought we are now assisting hundreds of families with affordable healthcare and education, as well as setting up community self-help groups enabling them use their own land and resources more effectively. Our trustees regularly travel to Kenya (at their own expense), living with the local communities, to discuss and monitor the various aid programmes we have developed with them, and to ensure that funds donated are used wisely. This way we make a personal link between donors and recipients.
How much does this cost?
Administration costs are kept strictly to the minimum, and usually covered by specific donations, thus we are proud to state that every penny of all donations from individuals are used in Kenya for the benefit of those in greatest need. Although only a very small charity, AAF is making a significant difference to the lives of some of the poorest people in Africa.
Email received from Sam Mutetei 14 Aug.2009: … (full text about).