Helping after severe floods ravage students' villages and homes

The Maasai people are familiar with the challenges of living on a semi-arid plain with annual rainy seasons. The alterations of wet and dry are part of what nourishes the grasslands of the Mara and the magnificent animal migrations.  But when the unusual variation becomes extreme (dry or wet) it has serious consequences.  Droughts have generally been more of a problem than floods; for example, there was a terrible drought in 2021; generous KCEA supporters helped Maasai families and their communities survive and overcome it.

This year it was flooding. The rainy season during 2024 was unprecedented, bringing levels of flooding way beyond what the communities had dealt with in the past. John Keshe commented that "In our generation we have never seen such a flood".

During this time of tragedy John Keshe tried visiting the community members and provided as much support as possible.  He stated "I tried go visit the affected families up stream I couldn’t because the river bursted its banks and over the bridge and crossed the road forcing travelers to wait for hours"

Example of a bridge connecting villages that was swept away

Many of the Maasai villages were completely engulfed in water. The families were unsure of how to obtain support and necessities of life, including the unique concern of rescuing family members from high waters.

An elderly mother is helped to safety after water submerged her home

KCEA students and their families, like the rest of their communities, were greatly affected. John Keshe says "Also schools opening has been postponed the big rains being experienced now in Kenya causing terrible floods, losses of properties etc. so far 6 of our sponsored students homes affected." [photo: home damaged. 

Flooded village homes

Crossroads Church quickly recognized the severity of the overall need, sharing it with their church community and providing funds for emergency aid to more than 100 households. Critical support was provided not only to KCEA students, but also to their villages (whose well-being is essential to maintaining the communities in which the students live). The timing of the Crossroads team to visit in July was great, making it possible for them to help in distribution of food, blankets, and mattresses to families. Despite the language barrier: empathy, grief and gratitude flowed between the US and Maasai communities.

(This is the second blog reflecting the partnership between Crossroads Church and KCEA, see the first)