Relief as Wajir county distributes food to 25,000 households

More than 25,000 needy families are set to benefit from a Ramadhan food distribution program by the Wajir county government.

The assorted food items include 125 metric tonnes of dates, 200 metric tonnes of rice, 200 metric tonnes of nutritional porridge and 12 metric tonnes of cooking oil.

Residents of Wajir county and Northern Kenya at large have been grappling with prolonged drought following 5 seasons of failed rains that have led to the death of hundreds of livestock, the region's economic mainstay.

Speaking outside the county offices on Saturday when he flagged off Ramadhan foodstuff, area Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said that the relief food is required to ensure that the less fortunate as taken care of during the month fasting period.

Governor Abdullahi who was flanked by other county leaders said that his administration was closely working with religious leaders, and local administrators to make sure that all the needy families are reached.

“In order to ensure that this food reaches the most deserving families, we shall work hand in hand with the local religious leaders, and Imams to help identify them so that they can have Iftar and Suhoor,” he said.

He appealed to individuals to assist the less fortunate saying the number of those in need of food aid in the county was growing with each passing day.

“As pastoralists and Muslims, we are known as people who love each. We have over the years shared the little we have. Let us be our brothers' keepers and help where we can, especially during this holy month of Ramadan,” he said.

Wajir -just like the neighbouring counties in Northeastern - did not receive adequate rainfall during the last October-November short rainy season.

Several Internally Displaced Persons from Mandera and Wajir counties who are camping in Garissa county to escape the ravages of drought.

According to the National Drought Management Authority[NDMA], 550,000 people in Wajir county are food insecure.

The NDMA in its January 2023 bulletin paints a worrying picture in 23 counties that have been classified as either in the alarm or alert phase of the drought.

“As a county, we are working closely with the ministry ASALs, and Regional Development together with other partners to ensure that our people get the much-needed assistance,” he said.