The government has launched a relief food distribution exercise to benefit more than 100,000 hunger-stricken people in Tana River.
Speaking in Kalkacha village on Tuesday, county commissioner Mbogai Rioba said they have received 1,500 bags of rice and 600 bags of beans all packed in 50kgs.
Rioba said they were expecting cooking oil in the coming weeks.
He said the food would be distributed to the most affected and vulnerable families in Tana North, Tana Delta and Tana River subcounties.
“Both short-term and long-term rains failed and drought continues to affect people," the administrator said.
He said the national livestock off-take programme was ongoing and the Hunger Safety Net Programme would be unveiled soon.
About 788 cattle in the county will be purchased by the Kenya Meat Commission to cushion livestock farmers.
Kalkacha residents also urged the government to purchase and distribute livestock pallets for their animals.
“Today we will prepare meals for our children. We appreciate the rice and beans we have received albeit it lacks cooking oil," resident Esha Guyoye said.
"To tell the truth, since the drought was declared a disaster this is the first time, we are receiving relief food.”
Tana River agriculture executive Mwanajuma Hiribae said the National Drought Management Authority, Food Agricultural Organisation and the county government have been distributing livestock feeds to farmers.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
