The National government has set aside Sh.136 million kitty to tackle Covid 19 pandemic in Turkana county.
Speaking during an interview with one of the local FM stations in Lodwar on Wednesday, the County Commissioner (CC), Muthama Wambua said the funds would start being utilized once a Board meant to manage the kitty is gazetted on Friday.
Wambua said 65 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus where 40 have since recovered and 25 are still receiving treatment.
“14 of those who tested positive for coronavirus are in Kakuma while 11 are in Lodwar,” he said, adding that another 181 were in quarantine.
While commending the existing collaboration with county government, Wambua, who is also the co-chair to the county emergency response committee on covid-19 said the county has managed to record one of the highest screening for temperatures at 685,000 people.
He urged members of the public against stigma directed to those already infected by coronavirus and those who have recovered citing an incident where residents of Kerio in Turkana central sub county prevented a woman from returning to her home, even after she had recovered from the virus.
“Those who have recovered must be allowed to go to their homes to continue with their usual lives,” he reiterated.
At the same time, the county commissioner told those living near the river banks that they should relocate to avoid catastrophes. Experts have warned that River Turwel might spill over should the ongoing rains persist.
“Some people have been adamant in relocating and you can remember the previous losses we experienced during the rains, despite initial warnings issued to the people by the governor and other leaders,” said Wambua.
He said Sub county and county administrators are making plans to relocate residents, but without divulging more details emphasized that this was critical.
On the issue of teenage pregnancies which seemed to irk many callers who demanded to know what measures had been put in place to address the menace, Wambua said the government would deal firmly with parents and those found marrying young girls.
The CC added that it was the responsibility of parents to take care of their children especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when children are out of school for long vacation.
By Peter Gitonga
