Silver Spring, Maryland -- The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office located in Nairobi, Kenya, was broken into around 3:00 a.m. local time, Wednesday, April 4, 2001 (7 p.m. EDT, April 3). Armed gunmen ambushed and tied up the watchman and severely injured the dog that was guarding the office. After cutting security bars on a window to gain access to the building, thieves broke into locked doors and drawers to search for valuables. Stolen items included computers, a safe, and assorted office records. Police are investigating the break-in and are searching for the stolen equipment.
Projects in the field are not directly affected by the burglary. Administrative offices will re-open Thursday, April 5, with some disruption of functions as clean-up continues. Extra security measures are being taken.

ADRA registered in Kenya in 1985. Since that time, the agency has implemented a number of development and relief projects, including integrated agricultural programs, AIDS awareness, education and school equipment, emergency food, and physical rehabilitation services to those affected by the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi.

An internationally recognized non-governmental organization, ADRA is active in more than 120 nations. ADRA was granted general consultative status by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 1997.

ADRA is an independent humanitarian agency established with the specific purpose of individual and community development and disaster relief. Without regard to age, ethnicity, or political or religious association, ADRA assists more than 19 million children, women, and men annually.

Contact: Norma J Sahlin, Media Relations Manager
Telephone: 301-680-6355
Fax: 301-680-6370
Toll-free in USA: 800-931-2372

ADRA International Headquarters
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Ph: 800-424-ADRA (2372)