At least 3,000 needy families affected by drought in Mbooni East Sub County in Makueni have received food relief, courtesy of the First Lady Rachael Ruto.
Speaking at Mukimwani primary school in Kisau/Kiteta ward during the distribution of the food, Mwikali Kisila, an official from the First Lady’s office said the initiative is to alleviate the residents from hunger due to crop failure in the area.
“Today we are going to feed 3,000 families, the food package will benefit at least four persons per family and we are hoping to reach 12,000 people with the aid, the package includes a starch, a protein and sugar,” said madam Mwikali.
She added that the government was keen in distributing food to all the drought-stricken areas to ensure Kenyans are relieved from the pangs of hunger.
“The Office of The First Lady is keen on ensuring that everybody is comfortable as they continue to live well. We received a call that people in this area have experienced crop failure and we have responded through one of our programs to help the residents to survive from hunger,” she added.
“We thank our donors who have been able to support and give us some supplies so that we can respond to this disaster of hunger. And I call upon the well-wishers and partners from Makueni to come together in reaching to families affected by drought,” noted Mwikali.
On his Part, Makueni County Commissioner William Kaimba lauded the initiative as part of government intervention in addressing the effects of drought in the area.
Kaimba said the worst hit areas also include Kima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward in Mukaa and Kee ward in Kaiti Sub County.
The areas received little rainfall during the October- November and December season which resulted in total crop failure.
“We are working as a multi-agency team to address the situation in the area. Very soon we will be distributing relief food and water to the affected families,” noted Kaimba.
By Ronald Rono
