Garissa university college attack took a day and ended with intense security operation inside the university. 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 8th April 2015 to the two remaining operation sites.
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Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
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Chiromo Mortuary
KRCS RESPONSE
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) continues to mount various operations that include psychosocial support services, tracing and restoration of family links (On all operation sites). 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 of mortal bodies.
As of 0830hrs (8th April 2015) the Disaster Response Teams and volunteers from the KRCS - Nairobi branch were deployed to Chiromo Mortuary and Kenyatta National Hospital.
Psychosocial Support services are still being offered at KNH and Chiromo Funeral Parlour. At Kenyatta National Hospital the PSS and Professional Counsellors team had sessions with 20 (7 males 13 females) family members. At Chiromo PSS and Professional Counsellors had sessions with 175 (103 females and 72 males) family members.
Tracing Services
Tracing still continues at KNH and Chiromo Mortuary. The family members had already started arriving and 121 deceased out of the 147 that were received had been positively identified (as of 8th April 2015).
The KRCS Secretary General Abbas Gullet, The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, CEO of Safaricom Bob Collymore, the clergy to different churches visited Chiromo Mortuary and gave a press briefing where they comforted the bereaved families. Prayers were also held by the clergy.
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