The Corona Virus pandemic has devastated the world and its effects is being felt in areas occupied by indigenous communities like the El-molo people who are situated on the south eastern shores of Lake Turkana. This proposal aims at increasing preparedness levels and response capacity of the El-molo people through supporting livelihoods by providing basic foodstuffs and alternative livelihood to cushion this community from the devastating effects of Corona. Moreover, the project also aims at increasing awareness levels to the Elmolo community about the Corona Virus pandemic in the very simple language understood by that community. El-molo people are highly vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases and if no response mechanisms are put in place to prevent spread of corona virus, a large number of its population can be wiped out by the disease itself and its adverse effects on their livelihood.

The El-molo is an indigenous community of Cushitic origin found on the south-eastern shores of Lake Turkana. The majority are found in two tiny villages approximately 10 kms north of Loiyangalani town, while a few are scattered in Loiyangalani town, and in areas as far as palo and Soit within the administrative boundary of El-molo Sub-location. It is the smallest tribe in Kenya in terms of human population numbering less than 1000 individuals. Their livelihood is mainly dependent on fishing and fisheries resources. Tourism plays a major role as another source of livelihood to the Elmolo people. Both international and local tourists used to frequent Elmolo villages and Islands before Corona pandemic, providing the much needed revenue to the Elmolo people by taking scenic pictures, purchasing handcrafts made by women and paying fee to enter the community islands and hiring their boats. The livelihood has been adversely affected by the Corona pandemic since fish and fish resources are stuck in the villages without markets, hence, reducing people?s income. The closure of international borders and restriction of local travels have adversely affected tourism in Northern Kenya and particularly in Elmolo area. This has drastically reduced income levels of the Elmolo people and their ability to provide basic needs to their families.