The government has begun distributing foodstuff worth over Sh124.5 million to vulnerable Muslim families in 19 counties for use during the month of Ramadhan.
The exercise which is being undertaken by the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development aims at providing food rations to needy members of the Muslim faith to enable them to observe the fasting season with ease.
Principal Secretary in-charge Kello Harsama said the gesture was made available by President William Ruto to ensure that vulnerable Muslim households have access to nutritious meals during the holy month regardless of their economic status.
The package which includes 240 tons of rice, 600 tons of beans, 190 cartons of vegetable oil, 28 boxes of sardines, 190 bales of pasta, and 95 cartons of corned beef will be issued out in Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Mombasa, Lamu, Nakuru, Baringo and Isiolo counties.
Other counties include Mombasa, Kitui, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, and Nairobi.
Mr Harsama who oversaw the delivery of the consignment for Marsabit at the Sololo Sub-County headquarters after visiting victims of a rain storm at Dambala-Fachana shopping Centre said the initiative which promotes religious observance also reduces financial strain on the lowly in society.
The allocation for Marsabit County consists of 16 tons of rice, 40 tons of beans, 10 bales of pasta, 10 cartons of corned beef, and 10 cartons of edible oil.
The principal secretary who was accompanied by area DCC Robert Nzuki added that the Kenya Kwanza administration was passionate about fostering social inclusion and unity among Kenyans.
“This gesture by the President clearly demonstrates that his government is dedicated to fairness and has empathy for those Kenyans who could be in need,” he said.
County commissioners in consultation with the Muslim leadership in the target counties have been tasked with the distribution of the food commodities to the beneficiaries.
The PS asked the administrators to ensure the donation was equitably handed out to the deserving cases and on time.
By Sebastian Miriti
