Church donates food to 1,000 drought-stricken Turkana families

At least 1,000 families in Turkana affected by hunger have received food donations from Africa Inland Church to caution them from effects of drought.

Retired Bishop Silas Yego of AIC said the prolonged drought has affected many families in the region. 

“The food donation is by Christians from Trans Nzoia who believe my foundation is able to take food to the families affected by famine and hunger,” he said.

Bishop Yego spoke while distributing food items, which included maize flour, beans and maize, to the residents of Kalemunyang in Loima subcounty.

The clergyman said drought has ravaged water sources and pastures, leading to the death of livestock that supports the livelihoods of people. He  said residents of Kalokol in Turkana Central and Lokori in Turkana East will also benefit from the donation.

He called on the government to distribute food and make available water tracking programme to save the lives of people and livestock.

According to Turkana county government, more than 800,000 people are in dire need of relief food as drought continues to bite. The prolonged drought has been caused by failed rains for threes years.

Kalemunyang resident Esther Ekai thanked the efforts to donate food to those affected, saying they have starved for days without getting something to eat. She said drought has ravaged their livelihoods, leaving them to only depend on relief donations for survival.

“We have never experienced a drought and hunger season like this one where drought has ravaged all water sources and pastures that our livestock depend on for survival," Ekai said. 

"Our animals are emaciated and some are dying because of the effects of prolonged drought.”

She urged the government and partners to roll out livestock off-take programmes, water tracking and relief food donations to save lives.