A joint effort by Jamhuri News, African Warrior Magazine, and KWITU recently conducted a survey among Kenyans in America diaspora on the impact of COVID-19 in the community. The survey was shared on various platforms popular with Kenyans in America diaspora and run from April 20-April 27.
The survey revealed a dire need of help within the Kenyan community, with some respondents coming out to reveal their struggle with anxiety that is being fueled further by the pandemic. “I need help on how to deal with anxiety and stress during this pandemic,” a respondent said.
Another respondent told of how they survived COVID-19 and the best help others can provide is to sensitize the community on the importance of social distancing; the individual noted that is a proven way in minimizing the spread of the disease.
One respondent told of being in a state of confusion, unsure whether to worry about losing the job that brought income; the domestic violence they were going through together with a newborn baby; or relocation in the middle of a pandemic leading to more problems and struggles.
Other respondents cried for cohesion amongst Kenyans in America so that united we can all make a difference, however little during the pandemic. A Kenyan living in Minnesota expressed willingness to open their doors to strangers, offering to host any Kenyan struggling with housing, giving students a higher priority.
In detail, of the 124 survey respondents, 71% of them are affected while 29% are not. 23% of respondents expressed an urgent financial need to cater for food and housing; 16% of respondents noted they are in dire need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); 6% of the respondents said they are in need of spiritual and emotional support; while 19% of those who responded mentioned they need help with other things such as legal advice, online schooling of kids, or community outreach.
While admitting that Covid-19 had affected them in one way or another, 36% of respondents said they were okay for the time being and do not need help.
The survey paints a picture most of us would not imagine: there are Kenyans who have reached the end of their tethers and are crying to be helped with basic needs such as food and housing. As a community, we can do more: E Pluribus Unum-out of many, we are one.
It is against these findings that we are launching a campaign to bring together funds, resources, and volunteers to help the affected in whatever small way we can. To assist these Kenyans, please use the following Gofundme link for financial donations, or contact the organizing team to help with other resources.
Please donate and help these Kenyan families in the US: Gofundme Link
Editor’s note:
This article was updated to reflect changes in the live stream that was planned for Friday, May 8th, 2020. An update will follow on the next feasible date and time.
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