Kenya has been very badly hit by rising food prices, drought and crop failure. Maize prices have increased by up to 130% in parts of the country since last year, prompting the Kenyan government to declare a national disaster. 

In recent emails from Ambrose Gichunge, manager of the Maua Street and Destitute Children’s Home in Kenya, he has commented: 

‘Food is a pressing financial need the children’s home is facing at present. At present we are reducing the daily ration of food which we are giving our children because the money cannot buy the same quantity of food... We are trying to explain our children why they are getting little food now in their plates than before but as you know children cannot understand problems quickly.’

And, on 23 September 09, he comments:

'The drought and the famine situation here is becoming more worse and severe. I am sorry to say that three people have died of hunger just around here (at Mutuati). Rivers are drying up. It is very serious here and most of the people (about 80% of the families) are affected by hunger. Many children are dropping out of school. Everyone here is now talking of hunger. This is very hard now and we need a lot of prayers.' 

The current cost of providing each child in the Maua Home with food is £68 per month – just over £2 a day. If we raise enough, Ambrose (who as well as being manager of the Home is also a local councillor and pastor of 36 churches) hopes to help other local communities affected by the crisis. 

 Can you help? If you can give even a small amount on a monthly basis – please email cw.darp@ntlworld.com and we can sort out the rest. 

Alternatively, if you can only give once, please use this Just Giving site. 

All donations, whatever size would be most welcome.