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Kenya

Garissa University Attack Report 5

Garissa University College terror attack took a day and ended with intensive security operation inside the university. All survivors were evacuated and transported to Nairobi using the National Youth Service (NYS) buses. For those who had families in Garissa, they were reconnected with them successfully.

. Government sources indicated 147 persons were killed in the attack that took more than 12 hours and the number still remains the same.

Response

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) continues to mount various operations that include psychosocial support services, tracing and restoration of family links. On the night of 4th April 2015, 13 Disaster Response Teams were deployed to the Nyayo Stadium where they offered First Aid services and Psychosocial services (PSS). Key to note is that some KRCS HQ, DRO based staff were mobilised to support various operation activities within the city especially the Tracing services, management mortal bodies.

On the 5th April 2015, 53 responders were deployed to various operation grounds; Chiromo Mortuary, Kenyatta National Hospital and Nyayo Stadium where they continue tirelessly to offer the PSS, First Aid and Tracing services.

At Kenyatta National Hospital the PSS team has had sessions with 70 (40 males 30 females) family members, while at Chiromo the PSS Team has had sessions with 347 family members (211 males and 136 females). At Nyayo stadium, the PSS team has had sessions with 17 (10 males 7 females) family members. The PSS teams also had a debrief session for staff and volunteers.

Tracing is also underway at KNH, Nyayo Stadium and Chiromo Mortuary though intensively at Nyayo Stadium and Chiromo with tracing requests from all over the country still being received through the emergency hotlines for inquiries and updates.

The Kenya Red Cross Society in addition continues to receive donations from well-wishers, and more support is still coming in from various organisations and individuals.

To support Garissa attack humanitarian response Safaricom Kenya, Airtel Kenya, Orange Kenya, Mobikash and the KCB Kenya have opened accounts where money can be donated via MPESA, Airtel Money, Mobikash through Paybill Number 858585, via OrangeMoney through business number 222222 and through KCB A/C No: 858585858585

Coordination

The KRCS still continue to work with the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), stakeholders, partners and other well-wishers. The County Government, individuals from National Government including cabinet secretary internal security, cabinet secretary for education, UN Agencies, International Rescue Committee, MSF ,NDOC, KNBTS among others.

The different counselling agencies that are offering PSS include; Kenya Red Cross, Amani Counselling Institute, Camp Africa Seventh Day Adventist, KCPA, international Professional Counsellors Centre, MOEST, MICS, Kibuo, Latana and individuals.

The KRCS is still spearheading the humanitarian response. The KRCS team on ground have a laid down structure of coordination in the provision of services. These are groups formed under tracing, psychosocial, management of mortal remains, referral, and reporting and blood donation.

Gaps/Challenges

There are many family members at Nyayo Stadium waiting anxiously for information on their missing persons therefore crowd management/ control at the tracing centres are key.