Published: September 13, 2011

Strength & Community in the Face of Tragedy

I am sure that many of you have now heard of the tragic explosion that erupted in Nairobi’s Sinai slum on Monday September 12^th, killing over 120 people and injuring hundreds more.  First, I want to assure you that no one involved in Shining Hope’s projects were directly affected—however as a part of a larger community of Nairobi slum dwellers we are all impacted and deeply saddened.

The fire in Sinai was caused by government laxity, and the blind eye that is turned to the plight of slum residents every day.  The residents who were killed died because they were poor, and thus the government doesn’t provide services or express concern that they lived on a pipeline.  If such a pipeline were to exist in an affluent community—there would be public outcry.   The conditions that brought the tragedy in Sinai were similar to those experienced by Kibera residents—and people living in slums everywhere.

Such calamity has stricken our brothers and sisters with whom we share the same suffering brought on by poverty.  We must take action.

Students at The Kibera School for Girls and the staff of Shining Hope for Communities are contributing towards supporting those affected by the tragic fire in Sinai slum. We are trying to raise $1,000 by September 17^th to assist relief efforts with food, utensils, water, clothes and bedding. I am triggered after talking to my friend from Sinai, as we concluded that there are many similarities between Kibera and Sinai—citizens of both places are marginalized and allowed to live in sub-human conditions.  Let’s join hands and make it happen.

www.shininghopeforcommunities.org/support

- Kennedy Odede

President & Co-Founder, Shining Hope for Communities