20/08/2025
Around the world and especially here in Kenya, local communities are more than just recipients of aid. They are the first responders, problem solvers and and play a key role in humanitarian efforts. According to a recent report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), up to 80% of immediate emergency response in many African countries is led by local people.
Despite this, local actors often struggle without enough resources, recognition or training. This gap is an opportunity for us to start listening to and working alongside the communities at the grassroots in order for us to build a stronger and more resilient local responses. Because no one understands the community and those who live them every day.
On this World Humanitarian Day, we are reminded that humanitarian efforts lie in the hands that build bridges when rivers overflow, in voices calling for help throughout the night, and in the daily choices of ordinary people facing extraordinary crises.
