The national government has committed to assist people adversely affected by prolonged drought in Makueni County.
Makueni County Commissioner Mr. Maalim Mohammed gave the assurance when the British High Commissioner to Kenya Ms Jane Marriott paid him a courtesy call in his Wote office.
Further, the county commissioner said the government has identified needy people to benefit from the government cash transfer funds.
“As a government, we have put in place measures to address the people affected by drought in 23 ASAL counties including setting aside Sh2 billion for this objective. In Makueni we have 148,148 people hard hit and they will get a monthly stipend of Sh3, 000,” said Mohammed.
The administrator revealed that the government was already transferring monies to over 31,000 beneficiaries to older persons, orphans and vulnerable Children and people with disability in the county.
Mohammed appealed to development partners to supplement government efforts in cushioning the people during this drought period that has already been declared a national disaster by the government.
Already the Chinese government has promised to donate 11,835 metric tonnes of rice worth Sh2.5 billion as relief food to be distributed to schools in 23 ASAL counties. The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Prof. Margaret Kobia has already received part of the consignment consisting of 945 metric tonnes of rice.
On the forthcoming General Elections, the administrator said the government was well prepared to deal with violence incidents that may arise using minimum force.
He warned politicians against misusing their licensed firearms warning should they do so, the government will repossess them in the interest of maintaining peace in the country.
On her part, Marriott said she was impressed with the cordial relations existing between Kenya and Britain.
Saying she was out to learn about Makueni County, Marriott noted that during drought periods, people become desperate and thus need assistance. “Today I am in Makueni to learn more about the county and to know how the government reaches out to needy people during this drought,” said Marriott.
On elections, she said it was paramount for the government to conduct a free and fair poll to exhibit democracy in the country.
By Patrick Nyakundi
