In response to the disaster caused by the rains that recently pounded many parts of the country, the national government and Kirinyaga County Government distributed relief food to some of the county residents affected by floods to cushion them as they plan to return to normalcy.
In the event presided by the ASALs and Regional Development PS Harsama Kello, the foodstuffs were distributed to the affected people of Mwea East, while a similar program will cover all 5 sub counties across the County.
Speaking at Thiba Chiefs camp in Wang’uru, Mwea East, Kello said the program will continue until all people and households receive food and non-food assistance.
“I want to assure the people of Kirinyaga that the government will stand with them. Today we have come with food, but this is not the end we are sending non-food items such as blankets and mattresses,” the PS said.
Kirinyaga senator Kamau Murango expressed gratitude to the national government for the intervention calling for more assistance to the people of Mwea East, who were greatly affected.
The senator, who also chairs the senate committee on agriculture raised concern over destruction of rice fields as a threat to food security in the country.
Kirinyaga County MP Jane Njeri, said more foodstuff is required as the time when the affected persons will be able to return to normalcy is not predictable. She urged the well-wishers and corporate entities to support the government in assisting the people.
“The food given today may not be enough, we are requesting the PS to consider lobbying for more because we are not sure when these people will be able to settle well,” Njeri said.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Allasow said 2000 households were displaced, six people lost their lives, amid destruction of property, but the county has received maximum support from government.
In a similar event held at Wang’uru ACK Church grounds, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru flagged off the distribution of rice and beans to households drawn from Mukure, Gathigiriri and Tebere Wards.
She noted that the floods led to many residents losing their crop and livelihoods, while some were displaced.
The Governor said that besides giving foodstuffs to those affected, the County Government has also been undertaking disaster mitigation interventions that include unclogging of drainage systems and digging up spillways for passage of storm water.
With the rains having subsided, the county department of roads will be embarking on rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure such as roads, and empowering the residents to enhance their climate resilience by increasing agricultural productivity.
She, however, noted that there is no time for playing politics as it is time to rebuild what has been lost due to the heavy rains, noting that Kirinyaga voters are wise enough when it comes to elections and they will know the qualities to look for when the time comes.
“It time to concentrate on development and implementing strategies that will empower our people and bring down the cost of living.” She said.
Mwea Member of Parliament, Mary Maingi, who accompanied the Governor, applauded the National and the County Government for alleviating the suffering of flood victims in Mwea that was mainly affected by flooding.
By Mutai Kipngetich
