Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai on Tuesday co-chaired a County steering group meeting with County Commissioner Muthama Wambua to address the drought situation in the County.
Speaking while opening the meeting held at a Hotel in Lodwar town, Governor Lomorukai said that the County Government is seeking to harness resources across all sectors in a bid to mitigate the effects of drought in the County.
“I have directed my team to ensure that an emergency fund is readily available just like President Ruto directed that projects be slowed down and focus be on drought mitigation,” Governor Lomorukai said.
Discussions were centred on drought impacts in the County, possible interventions and recommendations for the future.
The Governor also called for further assessment of the drought situation on the ground which he said is worse than what is projected in assessment reports.
He also encouraged partners to further support the Government especially to fill existing gaps and insisted on close coordination between the partners and Government in combating the biting effects of drought in the region.
County Commissioner Muthama Wambua noted that the alarming drought situation had contributed to the state of insecurity witnessed in some regions in the county. He called on partners to avoid duplication by working under the coordinating structures of the CSG to streamline efforts.
The meeting comes at a time when a report by the Meteorological department and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have projected depressed rainfall and prolonged drought in the next three months.
The County Steering Group meeting was attended by County Secretary Peter Eripete, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers and Directors from line ministries, and representatives from NDMA, Ministry of Health (MOE), and other non-state actors.
By Peter Gitonga
