July 17 (Xinhua) — Global firm, Dow Chemical Company and Habitat for Humanity have joined forces to build 25 houses in Kenya for families that were left homeless as a result of the 2007/ 08 post election violence.
Dow said on Tuesday that its regional staff, customers and volunteers have come together to help each family build a three-roomed stone house and help them relocate from the tents where they have been living for the past five years.
“With the support of partners such as Dow, we are able to deliver quality homes to those who need it most here in Kenya,” said Jonathan Waita, Program Manager for Habitat for Humanity Kenya.
The homes are being constructed in Maai Mahiu near Naivasha, northwest of Nairobi on 29.5 acres of land which was bought by the families through grants distributed by the government following the conflict.
At least 1,300 people were killed and more than 650,000 others displaced following the disputed presidential elections that ended with the power sharing agreement between President Mwai Kibaki and then opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
The two fiercely contested the 2007 Presidential elections which resulted into a two-month long post-election violence that uprooted more than half a million people.
The violence was blamed on the fierce competition for a share of the national wealth between the various tribal groups. Most of it had to do with the distribution of land and access to state power.
“Our work with Habitat for Humanity enables Dow to give back to the community by providing local people with good quality housing that is sustainable and comfortable,” said Ahmed Dualeh, Country Manager of Dow Kenya.
Dualeh said with a population of over 200 million, significant and consistent economic growth rates, a vibrant tourism industry, a wealth of natural resources, home to the African Union and Port of Mombasa, East Africa symbolizes the new Africa – poised for growth and modernization.
“There has never been a better time for Dow to focus on its participation in this dynamic region. It is core to the company’s future growth and business success and Kenya is the hub of our East Africa presence,” he said. (Xinhua)
