- The governor said there was a need to come up with ways of reducing the impact of climate change on both animals and humans/
- He says the goal will be achieved by fully supporting residents' venture into crop farming.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali has urged residents to stop over-reliance on livestock keeping and instead diversify their sources of income to eradicate poverty.
Speaking during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebration held at Loglogo primary school, the governor said there was a need to come up with ways of reducing the impact of climate change on both animals and humans/
He says the goal will be achieved by fully supporting residents' venture into crop farming.
" Food security and climate resilience are critical issues and the impacts such as floods, drought and extreme weather conditions have impacted food security by causing crop failures, reducing yields and affecting food prices," said Governor Mohamud
He said several steps can be taken to increase food security and climate resilience.
"Livestock keeping we used to practice is no longer a viable option for a food secure and sustainable future," he said
The county boss said water is a critical factor in food production and the adoption of water management practices such as rainwater harvesting can help ensure that crops have sufficient water during times of drought.
The Governor said enhancing the diversification of agricultural technologies would come in handy in addressing some of the challenges the region was facing.
The county boss said despite the region facing the worst drought in recent years, where nearly everyone was affected, the heavy rains experienced in the county have resulted in extensive damage including loss of lives, and destruction of livelihoods and productive assets.
"More than 4,000 households have been affected by floods and 5,00 households displaced from their permanent settlement," he said
He added that over 1,200 goats and sheep were carried away by floods with several classrooms damaged as a result of El Nino rains.
Governor Mohamud said 1,000 km of roads had been destroyed with villages and several health facilities cut off from the rest of the county.
The governor said his administration would continue to provide needful intervention and support such as the provision of food and non-food items to affected households.
" The county executive committee members are under instructions to ensure that emergency needs within the sectors under their departments are well documented and responded appropriately," He said.
Mohamud celebrated the peace being witnessed in Marsabit County, describing it as a collective- resolve of the people.
"Marsabit community who have been in conflicts over the years have opened a new chapter of their lives to write a new history of peace, love and harmony," he said
The county boss said the recent Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival that brought together the people of the Marsabit community showcased real harmony and love.
"We saw love for each other on the faces of our people. We heard it in their songs and poems. Let us jealously guide this peace and protect this love in thought and spirit," said Governor Ali.
The Governor urged residents to cooperate with veterinary officers to ensure all their animals are vaccinated against Rift Valley Fever in the ongoing mass vaccination of animals.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
"I have directed the livestock and Agriculture executive to ensure veterinary officers are positioned in all sub-counties so that no animals are left out. You need to cooperate with them," he said
The governor maintained that his administration will continue working with county assembly members to implement many development projects in the county.
He said, his administration remains committed and resolute to Marsabit's rising vision that is aimed at transforming and uplifting the living standards of the residents in the county.
While warning those inciting the community against each other, the governor urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and share any useful information.
Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo asked parents to keep watch over their children during this long holiday in a bid to shape their character and behaviour.
He said parents are tasked with the role of guiding their children when they are still young.
"Bad company ruins good morals. Parents have responsibility to shape kids' character," said the Deputy Governor.
According to the deputy county boss, teenage pregnancies and drug and substance abuse have been on the rise.
He attributed this to failure on the part of the parents and guardians in taming their children in their early stages.
"Shape your kids when they are still young to make their behaviour manageable as they grow," he said
" Drug and substance abuse among youth hinder them from reaching their true potential in life."
Marsabit County Commissioner Nobert Komora urged residents to abandon female genital mutilation and take up safer practices.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
He said FGM is an outdated tradition that destroys the future of girls and warned that action will be taken against those fanning the vice.
"Let us adopt the alternative rite of passage which adds value to our girls," he said.
He commended the efforts of county first lady Alamitu Guyo Jattani who through her Gaddis Gamme programme empowered more than 2000 girls across the county.
He put on notice cattle rustlers saying the government would take stern action against anyone found engaging in the retrogressive practice that causes insecurity.
He called on political leaders and community elders to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace and tranquillity among the community that had experienced conflict due to pastor and cattle rustling.
Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton urged the government to reinstate police reservists saying withdrawals of police reservists had exposed the region to banditry attacks leading to several deaths and livestock theft.
"NPR are better placed to fight banditry and can arrest and hand over notorious rustlers," he said
He urged pastoralists to continue living in peace and maintain peaceful coexistence, urging security agencies to arrest those inciting community against each other.
Kargi/ South-Horr MCA Christopher Ogom asked Governor Mohamud-led administration to supply drugs in all health facilities and distribute mosquito nets saying heavy rains are likely to cause malaria.
He also asked the county government to procure enough drugs for Kalanza which is mostly common in the Laisamis sub-county.
Local elders led by peace committee chairman Peter Galwersi have pleaded with the government to reinstate police reservists so that they assist security agencies in maintaining peace in the region.