The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has scaled up humanitarian assistance for families arriving in Moyale, Marsabit county, following insecurity linked to conflict across the border.
In a statement on Thursday, the organisation said many families had arrived with few belongings and urgently needed shelter, food, water and healthcare.
Red Cross teams, working with the Marsabit County Government, national authorities and partners, have begun setting up temporary shelters and distributing tents and essential household items, including blankets, sleeping mats, jerrycans and kitchen sets.
The initial response will reach 1,000 households, with the organisation also providing fortified porridge flour known as Super Cereal to support the nutrition of young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. First aid is also being provided to those in need.
The organisation is conducting a rapid needs assessment to identify the most urgent priorities, with early indications pointing to critical needs in food, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary healthcare and protection.
The assistance will particularly focus on women, children, older persons and people with disabilities. The Red Cross is also working to restore family links and help separated relatives reconnect.
"Our priority is to make sure every family arriving in Moyale is safe, sheltered and treated with dignity. Our volunteers and staff are on the ground and will continue to respond as needs evolve," said Dr Ahmed Idris, Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including humanity, impartiality and neutrality, saying assistance is provided to all affected people based on need alone.
KRCS said it would continue working closely with the national and county governments and partners and provide updates as the response evolves.
