Animal-Kind International gave Nairobi Feline Sanctuary (a 3-time AKI grantee) an Africa-Based Animal Welfare Organization Grant for emergency electrical repairs at their sanctuary. Heavy rains in April and May damaged the sanctuary roof and part of the roof caved in. The sanctuary was flooded and the electrical system throughout the sanctuary was damaged.
NFS experienced frequent short circuits, posing a safety hazard and disrupting their daily operations. Essential appliances, including freezers and refrigerators, which store food and medical supplies for the cats, and the washing machine, were no longer operational. As a temporary measure, the cold storage units were moved to a neighbor's premises, but of course that was not a permanent solution.
AKI awarded this grant knowing that it was so much more than emergency electrical repairs. The much bigger goal was to ensure their critical work - Nairobi Feline Sanctuary helping cats in Kenya - would continue.
Emergency Electrical Repairs at Nairobi Feline Sanctuary
NFS hired two certified electricians to undertake the electrical repairs throughout the sanctuary. They installed new sockets in the vet clinic, replaced all conduits throughout the premises, installed new lights in the main yard, sick bay, recovery area, receiving area, waiting area, and main entrance, and fixed all other electrical issues, even the underground wiring.
The results of all this work is that a safe and functional environment has been restored for the cats, staff, volunteers, and visitors at the sanctuary and normal operations have been resumed. Also, measures were taken to prevent future damage to the electrical system from severe weather.
Nairobi Feline Sanctuary Helping Cats with Grant from AKI
The 690 cats and 11 dogs who call the sanctuary home have noticed the benefits! "There is beautiful lighting everywhere, which means the animals can play and interact with each other until midnight, which was our routine before the electricity was destroyed," Nairobi Feline Sanctuary Director Rachel said.
The NFS vet can again use his equipment. Staff can use the washing machine to launder the cats bedding, ensuring sanitary conditions. And all the animals can enjoy fresh food everyday, as all the cold storage units are now restored.
Rachel thinks that "one of the most notable things is we were able to install two infrared lamps for use when temperatures dip low at night. The cats are really enjoying the warm and cozy evenings."
Rachel told us, "We learned how important AKI is to our little community. Three times you have come to our rescue. This recent award was especially special, because for a while there, hope was dismal. Revamping an electrical system is no joke, and we are quite certain that we couldn’t have done it without you. There’s no way we could have."