The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) continues to mount various operations that include: psychosocial support services, tracing and restoration of family links. Two teams were deployed on the 6th April 2015 to the two remaining operation sites; Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Chiromo Mortuary
KRCS Response:
As of 0930hrs, two the Disaster Response Teams and volunteers from the KRCS-Nairobi Branch were deployed to Chiromo Mortuary and Kenyatta National Hospital.
Psychosocial Support services are offered at KNH and Chiromo Funeral Parlour. At Kenyatta National Hospital the PSS team and Professional Counsellors have had sessions with 85 (57 males 28 females) family members while at Chiromo have had sessions with 112 family members (34 males and 78 females).
The family members who come to identify or trace their loved ones still show feelings of anxiety, tension, are confused and some are agitated. The Counsellors and PSS First Aiders continue to reassure the relatives and offer emotional support.
Tracing Services
The KRCS continued with tracing and RFL services at the different operation sites.
Tracing still continues at KNH and Chiromo Mortuary. The family members had already started arriving and 88 deceased out of the 147 that were received had been positively identified (as of 5th April 2015). Requests from all over the country are still being received through the emergency hotlines for inquiries and updates.
Coordination
The KRCS still continue to work with the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), stakeholders, partners and other well-wishers. These include the County Government, National Government, UN Agencies, International Rescue Committee, MSF ,NDOC, KNBTS among others.
The different counselling agencies that are still present include; Kenya Red Cross, Amani Counselling Institute, Camp Africa Seventh Day Adventist, KCPA, international Professional Counsellors Centre, MOEST, MICS, Kibuo, Latana and individuals. The psychosocial support is offered after the family members have positively identified their deceased and to those who hadn’t yet gotten in touch with their loved ones.
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.
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 Orange Money through business number 222222 and through KCB A/C No: 858585858585