President William Ruto now says 3.5 million Kenyans are facing severe effect of drought but promised that no Kenyan will die of hunger. The head of state who flagged off 50 trucks containing relief food and animal feeds to 10 counties worst hit by drought said the government is in the process of mobilizing water boozers to enhance water supply to those affected.
Yesterday afternoon at state house Nairobi president William Ruto flagged off 50 trucks of food and animal feeds to counties affected by severe drought including Garissa Mandera Wajir Isiolo Marsabit Baringo Kajiado among others
The food that is 20,000 bags of rice, 20,000 bags of beans, cooking oil and 450,000 bags of animal feeds was flagged of after a meeting between the head of state, deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and governors from the affected areas.
President Ruto said interventions including the provision of water will be evaluated on a weekly basis to ensure no Kenyan will die because of hunger.
President Ruto said that counties will be required to complement efforts by the national government by adjusting their budgets to make provisions for hunger and drought management
The head of state also mentioned that the government will also engage the private sector on a water purchase agreement that is cost effective
Among the interventions mentioned by the government include mobilizing water boosters to supply water the affected and as well as the animals owners take programmes to elevate pastoralists from further losses.
Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua said in order to ensure in relief food distribution an agency will be involved to ensure transparency
The next food relief is set to be flagged off on Friday, president William Ruto said that his government will ensure no Kenyan dies of hunger even as his administration works on finding a long lasting solution to the perennial drought.
By Marion Wafula
