Image: ALPHONCE GARI
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
The government has started distributing Sh2 billion relief food to drought-stricken Kenyans.
At least 2.1 million Kenyans are at risk of starvation. Many have turned to wild fruits to stay alive.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa officially launched the distribution in Kilifi county on Friday.
He said three teams have been set up to ensure food reaches Coast, Northeastern and Rift Valley, the three areas worst hit by the drought.
President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the drought a national disaster in September and directed Treasury to immediately release Sh2 billion to buy relief food.
The relief food for the Coast was bought from the Galana Kulalu food security project while that for other areas was bought from the National Cereals and Produce Board, Eugene said.
The outgoing Devolution and ASAL CS spoke at Chakama and Bofu in Magarini constituency accompanied by Devolution CAS Gideon Mung'aro.
He said Mung'aro will lead distribution in all the six coastal counties.
"The President has directed his cabinet secretaries to move out of their offices in Nairobi and stay in the villages. He wants them to stay in the villages with the people to distribute food, water, and livestock feeds," Eugene said.
He said Sh500 million has been allocated through the National Drought Management Authority to supply water.
Counties will provide water bowsers while the NDMA will provide fuel.
"We agreed not to bring food from Kitale, where Wamalwa comes from. We have a big farm here at Galana Kulalu in Kilifi and Tana River. We want the food produced in Galana to feed people of Kilifi during this disaster," Eugene said.
He also urged residents to register as voters.
Mung'aro said he will be at the Coast for three weeks to oversee the distribution of 10,500 bags of maize.
He directed assistant county commissioners and chiefs to coordinate distribution at the grassroots and set aside some food for schoolchildren.
"I will be everywhere where relief distribution exercise will be done all over the region to avoid corruption during the process," Mung'aro said.
He said food will be given out until the rains come.
Kilifi deputy speaker Stanley Kenga called for the revival of the school feeding programme.
Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya